College sports officially entered a new era as Judge Claudia Wilken approved the landmark House v. NCAA settlement. Reactions continue to pour in, including from Ole Miss basketball coach Chris Beard.

Beard pointed out the way the landscape continues to shift as schools and programs adjust to the changes under the settlement. The revenue-sharing era is on its way as schools get ready to directly share up to $20.5 million with athletes, and roster limits will also change things in a major way.

As for the impact the House v. NCAA settlement will have on college basketball, Beard stressed the need for buy-in from across the country. From there, it comes down to programs putting themselves in the best position to succeed in the new world of college athletics.

“I think the structure has a lot of good ideas, and I think we all want what’s best for college basketball,” Beard told reporters. “I think it’s important as coaches and as players and as fans, as administrators, we all need to believe in it. Once they put it out there that this is the plan, then we’re going to support it 100%. I don’t think anything productive happens when the plan is set and everybody comes up with an opinion now. If you had that opinion, why didn’t you throw it out there on the front end?

“We’re eager to see what this model looks like, and then we’re going to do everything we can do within the rules to continue to elevate the Ole Miss program. I think that’s exactly what we’ve done here.”

Chris Beard: ‘This has been a real team effort’

Chris Beard specifically pointed to the support the Rebels receive from their primary NIL collective, The Grove Collective, as well as administration and fans. He praised the all-hands-on-deck effort now that the settlement’s implementation is underway.

Beard also noted the success of multiple programs at Ole Miss, from softball to baseball to women’s basketball, golf and volleyball. With the settlement’s approval, his role is to now lead success on the court.

“Again, I give the collective, the administration, the foundation and really, all the fans – from the major, major donor to the Ole Miss faithful that supports us on a monthly basis,” Beard said. “This has been a real team effort. I think you think about the success of Ole Miss, not just men’s basketball. Everything that went on. … Everybody is doing really cool stuff around here.

“And I think the common ingredient is the support. The support from our fan base, our donors, the collective. It’s been awesome around here. It never gets old saying thank you every chance I have a chance to speak, thanking everybody that is contributing any way. And our responsibility is to keep this thing going, and that’s what we’re going to do.”

Syracuse, N.Y. — The top football recruit in New York is set to announce his commitment on Friday, and Syracuse is among the small number of schools Messiah Hampton is considering.

Hampton is the star of James Monroe in Rochester and will announce his commitment in front of coaches, teammates, family and reporters at Monroe around noon Friday.

Syracuse.com will be in attendance and have news coverage from Rochester on Friday afternoon.

Hampton, a four-star prospect and one of the top-ranked receivers in the country, is one of two highly touted wide receivers the Orange is targeting in the Class of 2026.

Miami Northwestern’s five-star prospect, Calvin Russell, is set to commit in early July.

The Orange is competing with Oregon, Penn State, Georgia, Miami, Ohio State and Michigan for Hampton, the player in their backyard.

As Hampton’s commitment nears, experts who have tracked his recruitment believe it’s a two-horse race between Syracuse and Oregon.

The Ducks wide receivers coach Ross Douglas Sr. left Syracuse in February. Prior to his departure, he was the primary recruiter for Hampton. Now, he is trying to lure Hampton to the Pacific Northwest.

Syracuse currently has the 23rd-ranked recruiting class in 2026, according to 247Sports. Hampton would be the top-rated player in the Orange’s class.

Among the 22 schools ranked ahead of the Orange, six are from the ACC — including second-year programs Southern Methodist, California and Stanford.

If Hampton commits, the Orange will have five, four-star recruits committed to its 2026 class, ranking third in the conference behind Miami and Clemson.

Recruits can formally sign with a school in December.

Oregon was Hampton’s final visit before his commitment date, flying him out four days after his visit with Syracuse last week.

By: Maddie Omana

HANOVER, N.H. – Taylor Schram, the Stacy Branca ’94 Family Head Coach of Women’s Soccer, announced the incoming class of ten student-athletes who will join the Big Green this fall. 

“We are excited to announce our 2025 incoming class. These ten talented student-athletes are joining us from all over the country and the globe,” Schram said. “Each of them exemplifies the grit and determination we strive for in our program.” 

Nele Janek

Freshman | GK | Dreieich, Germany | Eintracht Frankfurt

Before Dartmouth: Participated in numerous state tournaments in high school, placing fourth in Morocco’s 2023 ISF World Schools Championship…Became the Southern German Champion and Vice-German Champion with her U17 team… Played in the 2nd Women’s Bundesliga for the U20 team of Eintracht Frankfurt. 

Why Dartmouth?: “I chose Dartmouth for its strong academic reputation, tight-knit community, and excellent balance of athletics and academics. Its beautiful campus and emphasis on undergraduate education make it an ideal place to grow both as a student and an athlete.”

Paige Knoth 

Freshman | GK | Naples, Fla. | Florida West F.C.

Before Dartmouth: Earned ECNL All-Conference 2nd Team, ECNL Southeast Players to Watch, FHSAA All-State Team, and All-Conference First Team honors twice… Was named to the FHSAA All-Academic Team three times… Is a four-time AP Scholar with Distinction honoree. 

Why Dartmouth?: “The feel of the community as well as the prestigious academics and network.”

Stephanie Lathrop 

Sophomore | M | Dayton, Md. | Maryland United FC/Purdue (transfer)

Before Dartmouth: Made her collegiate debut at Purdue in 2024… Played in the 2023 High School All-America Game… Earned ECNL North Atlantic First Team All-Conference honors all four years of high school… Won the ECNL North American National Championships (2022, 2023) and scored the game-winning goals in both finals… 

Why Dartmouth?: “I chose Dartmouth because it offers a great balance of top-tier academics and a competitive program that is supported by the coaches and players.”

Michal Cagungun 

Freshman | F | Phoenix, Ariz. | Phoenix Rising FC ECNL

Before Dartmouth: Guided her high school team to three 6A and one open division soccer state championship… Served as the team captain during her senior year… Led her club team to the 2023 Sweet Sixteen at the ECNL Nationals… Was given All-Conference First Team honors, and was named to the All-Conference Second team twice. 

Why Dartmouth?: “I chose Dartmouth because of the positive team culture and amazing coaching staff. When I visited Dartmouth, it was such a welcoming community that I knew I could develop and thrive athletically and academically. I can’t wait to call Dartmouth my home for the next four years! Go Big Green!”

Anna Leschly

Freshman | D | Brookline, Mass. | NEFC Girls Academy

Before Dartmouth: Was a two-time All-New England All Star, Massachusetts All-State All Star, Eastern Massachusetts First Team All Star, and Bay State Conference All-Star… Was second all-time in goals and overall points at her high school… Earned a varsity letter all four years and was a two-year varsity captain… Participated in Track and Field during high school. 

Why Dartmouth?: “I chose Dartmouth because it gives me the opportunity to pursue both my academic and athletic dreams. The high-level women’s soccer program, as well as the outstanding academic resources and powerful sense of community on campus all drew me to Dartmouth.”

Nadia Young

Freshman | M | Oakland, Calif. | LaMorinda SC

Before Dartmouth: Participated in the Northwest Girls Academy Talent ID four times… Was the leading scorer during her sophomore season… Won the high school league MVP award during her junior year…

Why Dartmouth?: “For its balance of academic and athletic excellence. It gives me an opportunity to be a part of a culture that prioritizes community and challenge.”

Madison Yu

Freshman | M | Orinda, Calif. | LaMorinda SC 

Before Dartmouth: Scored the tying goal to be the NCS Champions during her junior year… Rostered for the Best 11 in the PAC North Conference for WPSL in 2024… Served as a team captain… Was invited to NWSL Bay FC ID camp… Participated in the Northwest Girls Academy Talent ID four times. 

Why Dartmouth?: “I chose Dartmouth because of its community and the opportunity to play on a competitive D1 team while pursuing a high-level education.”

Maeve Theobald



Freshman | F | Milton, Mass. | FC Stars ECNL Blue

Before Dartmouth: Was the leading ISL goal scorer and led the ISL in assists in 2023… Was named an NEPSAC Junior All Star, All New England, and ISL MVP Offensive Player of the Year in 2024… Is a three-time USCAA All-ISL First Team, All-NEPSAC First Team, and All-Massachusetts honoree… Tallied 50 goals, 26 assists, and 126 points through four years.

Why Dartmouth?: “I chose Dartmouth to receive a world-class education, have an opportunity to play division one soccer in a program that’s known for its tight-knit culture, and to become a part of a lifelong community.”

Addison Ball

Freshman | M | Greenwood Village, Colo. | REAL Colorado National 

Before Dartmouth: Was a three-year letter winner in soccer… Was named a First Team All-Centennial League and First Team Academic All-State honoree two years in a row… Served as a varsity captain in her junior and senior seasons… 

Why Dartmouth?: “A close-knit community centered around excellence and diligence will push me to be not just an incredible athlete and student, but an outstanding person.

Lykke Ihrfelt

Freshman | M | Saltsjöbaden, Sweden | Hammarby IF 

Before Dartmouth: Was the Swedish cup winner with Hammarby’s women’s team… Was the G17 and G19 Swedish Championship winner… Played on the Swedish Youth National Team… Played in the G17 European Championship representing Sweden.

Why Dartmouth?: “Because of the great academic and athletic possibilities at Dartmouth.”

MARSHFIELD, Mass.—The Babson College men’s ice hockey program had 17 student-athletes recognized for their hard work in the classroom when the New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) announced its 2025 Academic All-Conference team on Thursday afternoon. 

Seniors Matt Cormier (Waltham, Mass.), Wyatt George (Mount Lebanon, Pa.) and Brendan Murphy (Arlington, Mass.) were all named to the team for the third consecutive season. Senior Michael Holland (Charlotte, N.C.) and juniors Charlie Andriole (Branford, Conn.), Danny Cavanagh (Warwick, R.I.), Will Holland (Charlotte, N.C.), Brendan Kennedy (Georgetown, Ontario), Nate Mueller (Rogers, Minn.), Ryan Murphy (Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich.) and Egan Schmitt (Schuylerville, N.Y.) all garnered NEHC Academic All-Conference honors for the second year in a row. 

Additionally, graduate students Kyle Gierman (Shelby Township, Mich.) and Johnny McElaney (Walpole, Mass.), juniors Ian Driscoll (Middleton, Mass.) and Cam Joslin (Cohasset, Mass.), and sophomores CJ Beals (Chelmsford, Mass.) and Mason Rosado (Weddington, N.C.) were recognized for the first time in their respective careers. 

To be eligible for All-Academic recognition a student must carry a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA and have completed one full year at their current institution. A total of 207 student-athletes from 11 institutions were honored by the NEHC. 

George (8-10-18), Kennedy (12-5-17) and Driscoll (7-7-14) were the Beavers’ top three point producers during the 2024-25 campaign, while McElaney (5-7-12) and Ryan Murphy (4-8-12) were among six players to finish with at least 12 points last winter. Cavanagh (2-5-7) and Joslin (2-2-4) each had one game-winning tally, Michael Holland scored a key goal in a come-from-behind win at UMass Boston on February 8, and both Schmitt (4-2-6) and Cormier (0-1-1) missed time due to injury. 

Gierman, who led all Babson defensemen with eight assists, and Will Holland (2-5-7) were the only defensemen to play all 26 games, while the trio of Beals (0-6-6), Andriole (3-2-5) and Brendan Murphy (2-3-5) combined for 16 points from the blue line. 

Mueller, who allowed just eight goals over his final six starts, went 8-5-1 with a 1.98 goals against average and a .935 save percentage with one shutout in 14 contests, while Rosado finished 4-5-1 with a 3.59 goals against average and a .872 save percentage in 10 starts between the pipes. 

Babson finished third in its final season in the NEHC at 11-8-1 and ended the year with an overall record of 13-11-2 after falling to New England College in the quarterfinals. The Beavers are set to compete in the Little East Conference beginning next season. 

The Utah Jazz are raising season ticket prices for the 2025-26 season. The University of Utah is doing the same for football ahead of its second season in the Big 12 Conference. Prices jumped at BYU when it joined the conference and fans last year paid more for football tickets than any time in the school’s history.

Not everyone can afford season tickets, but many would like to attend a game or two.

The average cost of single-game tickets is hard to pin down in any sport but can come with a hefty price tag. How big depends on who the home team is playing, when you buy, date of the game and seat location, among other factors. You’ll pay more to see storied franchises like the Boston Celtics or Boston Bruins, for example. The same goes for high-demand Real Salt Lake matches.

There’s no question that the cost for taking in a live sporting event in Utah is going up, regardless of whether it’s professional or college.

And that isn’t lost on sports fans in the state.

A new Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll found slightly more than three-fourths of Utahns say it is expensive rather than affordable for the average person to attend a sporting event in-person in Utah. Only 12% see the cost as somewhat affordable, while even less than that, 3%, say going to a game in person is very affordable.

The online survey of 845 Utah adults was conducted May 16-21 by Harris X. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percentage points.

Broken down by income, 82% of survey participants making $50,000 to $99,000 a year say tickets to sporting events in the state are very or somewhat expensive, the highest response among income categories.

Younger people found sports tickets more affordable than older people, according to the poll.

The average price of a Utah Jazz ticket this past season was $218, according to Barry’s Tickets, an online resale marketplace. But the get-in price is considerably lower than that, especially for games against teams that lack star power. So, if you don’t mind sitting a little farther away from the action, there’s probably something in your price range.

By comparison, the Los Angeles Lakers had the highest average ticket price at $702, while the Indiana Pacers had the lowest at $82, per Barry’s.

Jazz season tickets for the 2025-26 season run $11,352 for a lower bowl, center court seat to $3,216 for the upper reaches of the Delta Center, per the team. Mammoth season tickets for the pasts season are comparable, at $10,920 for lower bowl, center ice seats to $3,024 in the upper bowl.

Smith Entertainment Group principal Ryan Smith acknowledged the high ticket prices for hockey games last year, saying the trend in sports is for player salaries and ticket prices to go up.

“We’re trying everything we can on that front,” he said.

The Mammoth had no trouble selling out of season tickets in its inaugural year, with demand, in fact, exceeding availability. Single-game tickets were expensive but the team also offered more affordable options in the second half of the season, including limited-view $10 tickets for students and shoppers at Smith’s grocery stores. Every ticket came with a hot dog and a bottle of water.

SEG, which owns the Mammoth, Jazz and Delta Center, also offered cheap food at the arena on what it called the “Mountain Menu” — hot dogs, ice cream, popcorn and nachos for $3 each and Dasani bottled water for $2 — among more costly arena concessions.

Utah also has a wealth of other pro and college sports for fans who just want to enjoy a game, including soccer, baseball, rugby and lacrosse — often at more affordable prices.

Salt Lake Bees tickets start at $13 for outfield berm but go up sharply from there to sit in the stands. Some club level seats go for more than $150 and include food and drinks.

For those who don’t attend games in person for whatever reason, there’s always television and streaming — if you can find the service that meets your needs and interests.

Utahns are split when it comes to their thoughts about viewing live sports on a screen, according to the Deseret News/Hinckley poll.

The survey found 42% believe watching or streaming live sports is easy and accessible, while 39% saying there are too many separate television and/or streaming platforms needed to watch live sports.

Poll participants ages 18 to 49 broke roughly the same as the participants as a whole. More than a quarter of those over 50 didn’t know whether live sports was accessible or if there are too many platforms.

The proliferation of streaming services can make it difficult to find what you’re looking for, especially when it comes to non-major sports. Those platforms have also raised prices, making it costly to subscribe to multiple services.

In 2023, SEG launched Jazz+ to stream Jazz games and followed that with Utah HC+ after the NHL team arrived last year.

The Motley Fool’s State of Streaming survey earlier this year found that 62% of respondents said there are too many streaming options. That’s up from 53% in 2022, per the financial services company.

Yahoo Finance reported last year that in addition to Fox, CBS and NBC, a football fan would have to subscribe to several streaming services to catch the entire NFL season.

“The NFL season is just one example of how fragmented the sports landscape has become as legacy media players and more recently tech giants compete for pricey media rights deals,” Yahoo Finance reported. “The reason: Sports content is highly desired by media companies looking to gain access to massive audiences of loyal viewers.”

GREATER WILKES-BARRE

Vacation Bible School at New Covenant Christian Fellowship Church, 780 South Main St., Wilkes-Barre, from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 17 through Friday, June 20. For ages 5 through 16, with a variety of lessons, crafts, songs and games. Bible School will hold a final celebration noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 21 at the church. To enroll a child, please call (570) 822-9605.

Lasagna Dinner at Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, take-out only, pick-ups 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 18 in the school hall, corner of North River and West Chestnut streets in Wilkes-Barre, near the General Hospital Parkade. Dinners are $15 and include meat lasagna, garden salad, bread and dessert. Please pre-order by calling the school hall kitchen at (570) 829-3051.

Marymount High School alumni will hold their annual picnic beginning at noon on Saturday June 21 at Mikielski’s pavilion. For more information please respond on the Marymount Facebook page.

29th annual Luzerne County SPCA Ride, sponsored by the Wyoming Valley Motorcycle Club (WVMC), will take place June 22, starting and ending at the Polish American Veterans, 2 S. Oak St., Wilkes-Barre. 100% of the proceeds are donated to the Luzerne Co. SPCA. We’ll have an after party with food, drinks, raffles, and the band “Shaken.” Registration will be 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The club encourages any small businesses or local craft vendors to bring out a tent with their items for sale.

Lithuanian Women’s Club of Wyoming Valley will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, at the Cafe, Highway 315, Plains Township. New members are always welcome. For more information call Betty at 570-868-3852.

GAR High School Class of 1952 will hold a luncheon meeting at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, at the Wyoming Valley Country Club.

Wyoming Valley Chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America public stitch-in 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 28, at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore in The Arena Hub Plaza, Wilkes-Barre Township. The public is invited to come and bring something to stitch, or just stop by see what we’re doing.

Central Catholic High School class of 1973 will hold a 70th (71st for Bernie) birthday celebration 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at Patte’s Sports Bar deck, 65 West Hollenback Ave., Wilkes-Barre. Tailgate-type food will be provided; cash bar. Please e-mail us at [email protected] with the number attending by July 1. Visit us on Facebook @ Central Catholic High School Class of 73.

Hanover Area Class of 1975 Reunion will be held on Aug. 2 at West Side Park, Nanticoke. $50 per person. Classmates who have not sent their check are asked to do so to Beth Verazin 215 East Union St., Nanticoke 18634.

GAR Memorial High School class of 1973 will hold a 70th Birthday Bash at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Slocum Street Bar & Grill, Slocum Street, Swoyersville. For details and reservations, classmates may visit the Facebook page GAR Class of 1973 70th Year Birthday Party, email [email protected], or call (570) 301-3712.

BACK MOUNTAIN

Dallas Eastern Star will sell Welsh cookies during the Market on the Pond at the Meadows Nursing Home, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 14. Watch for our sign. In case of rain, visit Dallas Eastern Hall on Foster Street (behind CVS drug store.)

Bingo Night at Northmoreland Volunteer Fire Co., 1618 Demunds Road, Centermoreland, will be held June 16 and June 30. Doors and kitchen open at 5:30 p.m. Call Jim for information: 570-520-9741, No reservation is needed for Monday Night Bingo.

Junk in the Trunk Flea Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 11, in parking lot of Dallas Eastern Star Building Association Hall, Foster Street, Dallas, behind CVS drug store. Vendor cost is $10 for a space behind your vehicle. Provide your own table and chairs. Lunch and Welsh cookies will be available for sale that day. Application will be on Facebook page. More info, Dianne Corby 570-675-4893 or [email protected].

​ Roast beef dinner at Northmoreland Volunteer Fire Co., 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, at 1618 Demunds Road, Centermoreland. Eat in or take out, $14. Dinner includes roast beef, real mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable and dessert.

Gate of Heaven Church, 40 Machell Ave., Dallas, will host a Summer Music Camp “Treasure Hunt” from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Monday July 28 through Friday, Aug. 1. For ages 8-15, with a variety of singing, games, crafts, lessons and a daily snack. Participants will sing at 9 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Aug. 3. To register, call (570) 675-2121 or register online at the church website www.goholv.org by clicking on the scrolling image on the home page and supplying the required information. There is no fee to attend, but donations of snacks or drinks for the campers are appreciated.

GREATER NANTICOKE

​ 27th annual Flea Market & Collectibles Show, sponsored by Luzerne County Community College Alumni Association, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 14, with antiques, collectible, crafts, jewelry, direct sales, food vendors and more. Hi-Lites Car Cruise will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., LCCC Educational Conference Center Parking Lot, Nanticoke. More info or to register, call 570-740-0734 or see luzerne.edu/alumni/fleamarket

All-Class Reunion of Hanover Township Memorial High School, 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23 at R & D Memories, Fellows Avenue, Hanover Township. Family-style dinner at 4 p.m., followed by music by Tom Slick and the Converted Thunderbolt Greaseslappers. Reservations can be completed by sending a check for $45 per person made out to Audrey Wysowski to 1087 West Mountain Road, Plymouth PA 18651. For more info, call or text 570-262-8056. Early responses are strongly encouraged.

KINGSTON/WEST SIDE

Sons of the American Legion, Squadron 644 of Swoyersville will meet 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, at the post home. All members are encouraged to attend. 2025 membership dues are still being accepted. Election of Officers for the 2025-2026 year will take place. Commander Thomas Walsh will preside.

Kingston Historical Society will hold their annual dinner 6 p.m. Thursday, June 26, at Theo’s Metro on Schuyler Avenue. The dutch- treat dinner will be a select menu. Reservations are requested by Thursday, June 12 by calling 570-885-1856, leave message with number attending. At the dinner the Society will award their second annual scholarship to a graduating senior.

Edwardsville Hometown Committee 11th Annual Edwardsville Pierogi Festival will be June 13 and 14 with more than 80 vendors expected, carnival rides, a pierogie cookoff and parade. Visit edwpierogi.com for more details.

Dr. Edwards Memorial Congregational Church will sell Welsh cookies during the Edwardsville Pierogie Festival on June 13-14.

Wyoming Valley West Class of 1973 will have a 70th birthday bash, 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept 6, at Keeley’s Alehouse & Grille, Division St., Kingston, with food, beverages, and DJ. The party will be free for class members and their guest. For details and and to update our class directory classmates may visit our Facebook page Wyoming Valley West class of 1973, or email [email protected] or phone 570-266-8912. Reservations are required by Aug. 6.

MOUNTAIN TOP

Christ United Methodist Church, 175 South Main Road, Mountain Top, will hold Vacation Bible School “Road Trip, On the Road with God,” 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, June 16 through Friday, June 20, with Bible stories, recreation, crafts and music, at the soccer field. Children from pre-K through 6th grade are invited. To register, call 570-474-6060 or visit christontheMountain Top.org or register in person at the event. There is no cost to attend. A can of juice and donations are appreciated.

Mountain Top American Legion Auxiliary Mountain Unit 781 is raffling off tickets for (3) $1,500 prizes. Tickets are $50 each, with only 200 tickets being sold. The raffle will help establish a play area for children by the Upper Grove at the Legion. Raffle drawing will be 3 p.m. Sunday, July 27. Please contact an Auxiliary member for tickets, or you can call or text Antoinette Smith at (570) 332-8962 or Katie Chado at (570) 332-2822.

TUNKHANNOCK AREA

Evans Falls United Methodist Church Bake Sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 14 at 2000 SR29S, Monroe Township, Pa. There will be a Flea Market, Crafts by Project Donating Joy and handmade jewelry by MRhea Designs.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY

The Babas of St. John’s Cathedral in Mayfield will sell gently used books and puzzles on Aug. 9. Donations of books and puzzles (no missing pieces) will be accepted 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 25 through Aug. 3 in the foyer at St. John’s Center, Hill Street, Mayfield. Any questions, call Sandy at 570-876-3576.

Captains of St. John’s 300 Club of St. John’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Mayfield, are accepting “renewal” and “new” memberships for the next session which will begin in August. If you are not a member and wish to join the next Club session, send your name, address and payment of $25 to St. John’s Rectory, 706 Hill Street, Mayfield, PA 18433 or to Alexandra Sorochka, 422 Callahan Drive, Jermyn, PA 18433. Membership cards will be sent upon receipt of payment. Checks should be made to: ST. JOHN’S 300 CLUB Any questions, please contact Alexandra at 570-335-2128.

STATE PARKS

Tremendous Trees, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, June 12. Meet in the Amphitheater in Ricketts Glen State Park. Learn to identify trees that grow in the park.

Earth Day Everyday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 14. Park at Beach Lot #2 and go to Pavilion #1 by the beach in Ricketts Glen State Park. Experts will education you on what can be done to protect natural resources, with hands on activities for all ages. More info, contact Rhiannon Summers at 570-477-7780 or [email protected].

Intro to Kayaking. Participants will learn kayak terminology and basic paddle skills before heading out on the water. Ages 12 and older. Wear shorts and shoes that can get wet. Friday, June 20, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Park and meet at Western Boat Launch in Ricketts Glen State Park. Registration recquired at events.dcnr.pa.gov by emailing [email protected] or calling 570-477-7780.

Hike It Baby. Join the park naturalist in hiking the Beach Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park, 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 21. This hike is for pregnant couples and families with babies. Older siblings are welcome to come along! Up to 2 miles of easy hiking, depending on everybody’s comfort level, and the trail is stroller-friendly. Park at Beach Lot #1 or #2 and meet in front of the Beach House along Lake Jean Beach. Registration required at events.dcnr.pa.gov or by emailing [email protected] or calling 570-477-7780.

Explore Archery. If you’ve ever thought about shooting a bow and never had the chance, then this program is for you. Stop by, get some basic instruction, and then actually try your skill at hitting a target. This program is not for experienced archers, but you must be age 8 or older. 1:30 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 25 at Ricketts Glen State Park. Park and meet at the Visitors Center. Contact Rhiannon Summers at 570-477-7780 or [email protected] for more information.

Summer Wildflower Walk. Hiking the Laurel View Trail to see the mountain laurel and other wildflowers in bloom at Ricketts Glen State Park, 9:30 to 11:30 Thursday, June 26. Park and meet at the Shale Pit Parking Lot along Route 487. Bring your cameras and bug spray. This is a 2-mile moderate hike. Contact Rhiannon Summers at 570-477-7780 or [email protected] for more information.