Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:55:49 +0000

CoStar compiles news of corporate expansions, relocations, extensions, closures, layoffs, lease cancellations and mergers in the weekly Lease Up/Lease Down news report, a concise read keeping you updated on major corporate moves affecting commercial real estate, and can also be a valuable source for business leads.

In this week's issue:

E! and Comcast sign a massive renewal in Los Angeles

Public schools announce major cutbacks

Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom closes for good

Expansions, Relocations & Extensions

E! Renews HQ Lease in Los Angeles

E! Entertainment Television has re-upped its headquarters lease in Los Angeles, signing a 10-year renewal at Wilshire Courtyard. Comcast's popular entertainment network occupies a total of 335,304 square feet at 5700 and 5750 Wilshire Blvd. It is by far the largest office lease in Los Angeles so far this year, according to CoStar data. One of the largest entertainment/media complexes in Southern California, Wilshire Courtyard houses the studios of the popular television show The Soup, as well as the Top 40 radio program On Air with Ryan Seacrest. E! and Comcast have more than 1,500 employees at the campus. Located in the Miracle Mile area, Wilshire Courtyard is a two-time BOMA Award-winner, consisting of nearly 1 million square feet of Class A office space. Additional tenants include the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) and McCann Erickson. RREEF acquired the complex in 2005 for $378 million, according to CoStar information. Brad Feld with Madison Partners represented RREEF. Mark Sullivan and David Gordon with Studley handled negotiations for E! and Comcast. "E! Entertainment Television and the Comcast Entertainment Group are truly the heartbeat of the project and it was critical to maintain this tenancy," said Feld, who noted that RREEF made a concerted effort to appeal to the network's requirements. E! was reportedly scouting other locations around Los Angeles before opting to stay put. The new lease commences in January 2012. According to an article in the Los Angeles Times, the deal is likely worth about $130 million.

HHS Leases 114,500 SF in Quincy

By Angela Scott The Executive Office of Health and Human Services for Massachusetts signed a lease for 114,451 square feet of office space at HarborSouth Tower in Quincy. MassHealth and other related divisions will occupy floors four through eight at 100 Hancock St. The tower is a 10-story, LEED certified, Class A office building totaling 204,750 square feet of space and is in the Quincy/Braintree submarket. The property overlooks Quincy Bay and Boston Harbor. Investment Management and Affiliated Computer Services are the other major tenants in the building. Nat Kessler and Ogden White of CB Richard Ellis represented the landlord, Griffith Properties. The tenant had no outside representation.

Two Deals Signed at McClellan Business Park

By Ashley Cook Two large transactions recently took place at McClellan Business Park in McClellan, CA. The larger of the two is a deal with N Solar Inc., a solar module maker, which signed a lease for 116,727 square feet in the industrial buildings at 5201 and 5209 Luce Ave. The single-story building, also known as Building 243, totals over 576,000 square feet and was constructed in 1975. Blue Diamond Growers also signed a recent deal for 80,000 square feet of warehouse space at McClellan Business Park at 4800 Lang Avenue. This building, also known as Building 786, was built in 1957 and constructed to very high standards. It is also features a rail line. Robert Mora and Rick Phillips of TRI Commercial/CORFAC International represented N Solar. Todd Sanfilippo of CB Richard Ellis represented Blue Diamond. Ken Giannotti of McClellan Park LLC represented the landlord, Business Property Trust LLC.

Bayer CropScience signed a two-year deal for 102,592 square feet at 27223 Pioneer Ave. in Redlands, CA. The crop science company is moving from its current facility in Chino and plans to use the new space as a distribution facility. Built in 2007, the industrial building totals 600,306 square feet and is located at the southeast corner of Pioneer Avenue and Alabama Street. The Bayer lease makes the property 100 percent occupied, with Continental Tire North America taking up the remainder of the space. Bill Heim and Eloy Covarrubias of Lee & Associates represented the landlord, ProLogis. Walt Chenoweth, Frank Geraci, Juan Gutierrez and Patrick Wood of CB Richard Ellis Ontario, along with Brian McLoughlin and Dave Fults of CB Richard Ellis City of Commerce, represented the tenant. (By: Brian Barga) CRC Health Group Inc., a Cupertino-based provider of behavioral health and addiction services, signed a 27,125-square-foot lease for five years at 20400 Stevens Creek Blvd. The 183,187-square-foot office building was built in 1987 in the Cupertino City Center building park. Brett Miles and Marni Lopez of Prometheus Real Estate Group in San Mateo represented the landlord, Cupertino City Center Buildings LP. James McPhee and Travis Boyd of Cushman & Wakefield Inc. in San Jose represented the tenant. (By: Amy James) Client First Settlement Funding, a factoring company that specializes in purchasing and selling structured settlements, subleased 25,275 square feet from CRI/AHC, a health care receivables management company, in the office building at 301 Yamato Road in Boca Raton, FL. The four-story building, known as the Stonegate Bank Plaza, totals 206,447 square feet and was constructed in 1986. Other tenants in the building include Luks Santaniello, Stonegate Bank and John W. Henry & Co. Jason Carros of Stoltz Realty Co. of Florida represented CRI/AHC. Adrian Minor of Leder Group Realty represented Client First Settlement Funding. (By: Scott Crue) DisplayWorks, a display exhibit and creative marketing firm, signed a three-year lease to fully occupy the 55,000-square-foot warehouse building at 2550 Commerce Blvd. in Sharonville, OH. The property will provide a central location for DisplayWorks' Midwest operations, which will include design and production as well as management and sales functions to service its regional clients. The firm currently employs 20 people at this location and hopes to expand its regional presence and workforce over the next two years. John Gartner of Grubb & Ellis Westshell Commercial represented the tenant, while William Keefer and Chuck Ackerman of the same company represented the landlord, KP Properties of Ohio LLC. (By: Scott Canavan) Health Advisory Services Group, a 30-year Arizona medical care management service, signed a 10-year lease for about 47,000 square feet at 3133 E. Camelback Rd. in Phoenix. The three-story office building totals 99,594 square feet and is in the Camelback Corridor submarket. Gee Gee Entz and Patti Gentry of Arizona Commercial Advisors LLC represented the tenant. Ray Harris, Alissa Leon and Trevor Klinkhamer of Cassidy Turley BRE Commercial represented the landlord, KBS. (By: Dale Zavodsky) Rasmussen Inc. signed a lease for 29,428 square feet at 4042 Park Oaks Blvd. in Tampa. The four-story office building was built in 2008, totals 128,376 square feet and is located in the Highland Oaks Office Park. CBRE Senior Vice President Jack Hoskins, represented the tenant in this transaction. Tim Hain with Duke Realty represented the owner, Duke-Weeks Realty Limited. (By: Nicholas Hoover) Reading is Fundamental will relocate to the Floyd D. Akers Building in the West End from its current location on Connecticut Avenue in May. RIF secured 18,000 square feet for 10.5 years at the eight-story, 342,246-square-foot office property at 1255 23rd St. NW. Daniel Dooley and Andrew Eichberg of Tishman Speyer represented the landlord in-house, while Geoff Kieffer and Jennifer Kurz of Woodmark Commercial Services represented the tenant. (By: Covell Fitzgerald) Ward North American, national provider of moving and storage services, signed a 64,539-square-foot, 10.5-year lease at 23000 Ladbrook Drive in Dulles, VA. The moving company cited its selection of the Ladbrook Drive property, also known as Northwoods Building Three, based on factors such as easy access to major highway routes, and close proximity to clients such as the U.S. government. Studley Associate Director Adam Schindler and Executive Vice President and Co-Branch Manager Paul Schweitzer represented Ward North American in the leasing transaction. Caulley Derringer and Stephen Beggs represented the building landlord, Northwestern Investment Management Co. (By: Walt Brown) Wells Fargo Bank, a personal banking provider, leased 31,019 square feet in the office building located at 4801 Southwest Parkway in Austin, TX. The 59,376-square-foot building was constructed in 2007 in the Southwest submarket. Volney Campbell and Marc Vanderslice with HPI Corporate Services represented the tenant. Kevin Granger and Matt Frizzell of Stream Realty Austin represented the landlord, Wells Real Estate Funds. (By: Samantha Mrozinski) The Writers Guild of America East signed a 15-year lease for 16,000 square feet at 250 Hudson Street in New York. The 15-story building totals 360,000 square feet. It underwent renovations in 2008. The Writer's Guild's lease includes a portion of the seventh floor. David Lebenstein and Wendy Miller of Cassidy Turley represented the tenant. Dennis Brady and Jonathan Dean were the in-house representatives for the landlord, Jack Resnick & Sons. (By: Esther Prince)

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Closures & Layoffs

An Education: Schools Closing Buildings, Cutting Staff

As state governments continue their efforts to emerge from economic turmoil, officials have turned their eyes on the schools, cutting funding where they deem it to be necessary. On Monday, March 15, approximately 23,000 teachers, librarians, counselors and other school staff members in California were notified that they could be out of a job by next year. The notices come in response to Governor Schwarzenegger’s proposed $2.4 billion reduction to funding for public education. March 15 is the legal deadline for school districts to send pink slips to employees. "Our state budget crisis has forced districts to lay off thousands of teachers over the past few years," said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell. He feels the budget cuts are "devastating" California schools and are impeding teachers' duty to educate students. "Class sizes will increase once again, meaning less individual attention for each student," said David A. Sanchez, president of the California Teachers Association. "Lawmakers must stop the billions in cuts to our schools and students, and make the hard decisions to close corporate tax loopholes and find additional revenues." More than 16,000 teachers lost their jobs last year in California. In the last two budget cycles, about 10,000 classified school employees have been let go, and the governor has reduced public education funding by $18 billion. In order to keep teachers working and schools thriving, O'Connell is urging the governor and state legislature to support SCA 6, a bill that would allow voters to approve a local parcel tax with 55 percent of the vote, rather than the normally required two-thirds majority. While California may be experiencing the largest amount of staff reductions, many other regions are undergoing similar restructures. Last week, the Kansas City School District announced it would close 26 of the city's 61 public schools, resulting in the layoff of about 700 employees. In a press conference, Superintendent John Covington explained that the school closings were necessary in order to avoid a $50 million shortfall, brought about by rapidly decreasing enrollment and budget cuts. "If we didn't do something to take our school district off that trajectory, we could have easily gone into bankruptcy," he said. In a similar move, Illinois' second largest school district, U-46, voted Monday to cut nearly 1,079 jobs, or 24.7 percent of its total staff. The cuts are a reaction to Governor Quinn's new budget, which is likely to cut funding to the district by 17 percent, or $29 million (about $1 billion for the entire state). In October, U-46 estimated that it needed about $25 million to reduce its structural deficit and another $15 million to balance the budget for fiscal 2011. Next year's budget hinged on the school district receiving the same amount of funding from the state as it had previously. U-46 now anticipates that it needs approximately $44 million to balance its budget for next year.

first friday exhibits

ART FOR ALL SEASONS STUDENT EXHIBIT: ongoing exhibit, The Scranton Times Building lobby, 149 Penn Avenue.

MARCH INTO SPRING: Paintings by Marcelle Reinecke, photography by Tom Bonomo, Alexander's Salon & Spa, 341 Lackawanna Ave.

A PROVERB IN THE MOUTH OF FOOLS: Ink, water color and acrylic by Beth Tyrrell, Anthology New and Used Books, 515 Center St.

PARADISE REFIGURED AND RECENT DIVERSIONS: by Jorge Puron and Stephen Perrone, through March 27, Afa Gallery, 514 Lackawanna Ave.

ZAK ZAVADA AND KRISTEN LEONARD: through March, Northern Light Espresso Bar and Cafe, Spruce Street.

PERHAPS IN A DREAM: by Joe Statuto, through March, Camerawork Gallery, 515 Center St.

WHEN THE SUN IS HIDING, WE ALL GO TO A LAND WITHIN: through March, STAR Gallery, second floor, The Mall at Steamtown.

TIME & AGAIN: ANTHRACITE SCENES FROM THE PAST IN THE PRESENT: photography by Tim Butler, through April 16, ArtWorks Gallery & Studio, 503 Lackawanna Ave.

URBAN RENEWAL: Pen and marker by DONTEY- Artists with DisAbilities series, co-sponsored by Northeast PA Center for Independent Living, B's Floral Design, Inc., 131 Penn Ave.

AN EXHIBITION OF LOCAL ARTWORK: Carmen's Wine Bar, 700 Lackawanna Ave.

ABSTRACTS IN OIL: Paintings by Jeff Creedon, City Café, 116 N. Washington Ave.

PAINTS & CHESSBOARDS BY DEVON DEMKOVICH: The City Dump, 222 Wyoming Ave.

ANTIQUE OUTBOARD MOTORS FROM THE 1950S AND 1960S: by Mark Hutzky, Cooper's Seafood House, 701 N. Washington Ave.

FUSED GLASS: GLASS BY FLORIDA ARTISANS: The Crazy Pineapple, 317 Linden St.

MYSTERY MARCH: Art by B Curious. Plus paintings, mixed media and photography by West Scranton Senior High Art Students Ethan Dunn, Sam Glevick, Cierra Phillips, and Jamie Reed, Duffy Accessories, 218 Linden St.

ABSTRACT ACRYLICS BY STEPH STELMACH: The Electric City Tattoo Gallery, 602 Spruce St.

IN PASSING: Watercolors by Keith Beale, The Electric Theatre, 326 Spruce St.

SCRANTON HIGH STUDENT SHOW: GreenBeing, 334 Adams Ave.

AN EXHIBITION OF LOCAL ARTWORK: Hilton Scranton and Conference Center, 100 Adams Ave.

SPRING STYLE: Jewelry and accessories by Anastacia Beverhausen, Outrageous, 515 Center St.

LIFETIME OF WORK: Mixed media by Dennis Kile, The Scranton Club, 404 N. Washington Ave..

RAYMOND HOOD AT A GLANCE: Historic photography by Raymond Hood, Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave.

BODY + SOUL = GLADFRESH: Paintings by Constance Denchy and photography by Chris Woronchek, The Vintage Theater, 119 Penn Ave.

A DISPLAY OF CERAMIC SCULPTURE BY MICHAEL MCGOFF: Windsor Studios, 408 Spruce St.

THE NATURE OF NEPA: Photography by Robert Kareka, Creedon's Gallery & Flower Shop, 323 N. Washington Ave.

THERE ARE TWO CROOKS FOR EVERY CANNIBAL: Exhibition by Michael Lambert, The Bog, 341 Adams Ave.

CLUBS

AMICI, 1300 Morgan Highway, Clarks Summit: Wednesdays, Marko Marcinko Jazz Group; Saturdays, Chris Gratz.

CHARLIE'S PUB AND EATERY, 821 Northern Blvd., Clarks Summit: Saturday, John Quinn Duo.

CITY DUMP, 222 Wyoming Ave.: Wednesdays, open mike; Thursdays, karaoke with DJ Debbie; today, Long Strange Trip; Saturday, Erthan.

J.J. BRIDJES, 925 Northern Blvd., Clarks Summit: today, Something Wicked; Saturday, Double Cross.

MANHATTAN DRIVE, Holiday Inn-Scranton East, 200 Tigue St., Dunmore: today, Millenium; Saturdays, The Girlz.

MCGRATH'S PUB, Dalton: today, Grace's Downfall; Saturday, Last Call; Tuesday, open mike with Chris Langan.

MERT'S, 302 Penn Ave.: today, Dashboard Mary acoustic; Saturday, EJ the DJ.

MOUNT AIRY CASINO RESORT, Mount Pocono: The Glass Bar, Saturday and Sunday, CJT Band; Gypsies Nightclub and Lounge, today, country line-dancing and Crazy Heart; Saturday, Gary Puckett and B.J. Thomas; Red's Piano Bar, today and Saturday, Bud Noble; Sunday, Pete Beggs.

NEW PENNY, 1827 N. Main Ave.: today, The Steel Knives; Saturday, Black Ice, The Catacomb Creeps and One Red X.

POOR RICHARD'S PUB, 125 Beech St.: today, The Third Nut.

SKYTOP LODGE, Skytop: Saturdays, Doug Smith Orchestra.

STATIC NIGHT CLUB, I-81, Scott Exit 199: Fridays and Saturdays, DJ Rocken Bob.

TICK TOCKS, 760 Terrace St., Honesdale: Saturday, Cat & The Fiddle.

TOMAINO'S, Archbald: today, DJ Boogie Man with karaoke; Saturday, DJ Devil Dog with karaoke.

WEGGY'S BAR AND GRILL, 439 E. Drinker St., Dunmore: Saturday, Chris Langan Duo; Wednesday, Dashboard Mary.

WELLINGTON'S, Clarks Summit: today, Ying Ling Bros.; Saturday, Eddie K. Jagerblast.

WHISTLES PUB & EATERY, Franklin Avenue: Thursdays and Sundays, karaoke with DJ Tony Piazza; Saturday, Nowhere Slow.

VFW POST 4909, Main Street, Dupont: Sunday, Matty Rock/Johnny Jay Polka Band.

SEASONAL

ST. PATRICK'S PARADE: March 13, steps off at noon from Wyoming Avenue, throughout downtown Scranton. Visit www.stpatparade.com.

POSTPARADE PARTY: featuring live entertainment and refreshments, March 13, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple.

WINTER FILM SERIES: "The Irish: Two Nations-One Heart," March 20, noon and 2 p.m., Steamtown National Historic Site.

HE IS ... JESUS EASTER PRODUCTION: March 27-28, 7 p.m., Peckville Assembly of God, Blakely, free. 489-4961.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY GERMAN-AMERICAN SOCIETY WINTERFEST: featurng dinner and music by Josef Kroboth and his band, March 27, doors open at 4:30 p.m., Genetti Manor, Dickson City. 346-9278 or 842-4268.

MUSIC

RAY DAVIES: today, 7 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple.

CELLIST ELISE HENKELMAN: Sunday, 3 p.m., Covenant Presbyterian Church, free-will offering and non-perishable donations accepted.

ANTONIO CIACCA TRIO: Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., Houlihan-McLean Center, University of Scranton, free.

DENNIS EDWARDS AND TEMPTATIONS REVIEW: March 13, 6 and 9 p.m., Gypsies Lounge and Nightclub, Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono, $35/$50.

25TH ANNUAL NEPA BACH FESTIVAL: piano concert featuring the Rev. Sean Duggan, March 18, 8 p.m., Marian Chapel, Marywood University; organ concert featuring Ryan Enright, March 19, 8 p.m., Covenant Presbyterian Church; chamber music concert featuring Tom Heinze and Bach Festival Orchestra, March 20, 8 p.m., St. Luke's Episcopal Church; choral concert featuring Robert Dale Chorale and Bach Festival Orchestra, March 21, 3 p.m., St. Luke's Episcopal Church, $15/$12/$7/children free. 586-3921.

MEGADETH WITH TESTAMENT AND EXODUS: March 18, 6 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple.

TOM CHAPIN: March 19, 7 p.m., Wallenpaupack Area High School, $12.

JOE CROOKSTON & THE BLUEBIRD JAMBOREE: March 20, 6 p.m., Tripp House, 1011 N. Main Ave., $20 in advance/$25 at the door.

MATTHEW MCALLISTER AND AISLING AGNEW: Classical Guitar Society of NEPA, March 20, 8 p.m., Marian Chapel, Marywood University, $15/$10.

SPRING FLING WITH THE POETS: featuring buffet and basket raffle, March 20, doors open at 6 p.m., Sacred Heart Hall, 427 Hudson St., Mayfield, $33 per person/$65 per couple. 282-0340.

BREAKING BENJAMIN: March 21, 7 p.m., Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, $35.

ORGANIST DR. FREDERICK HOHMAN: March 26, 7:30 p.m., Houlihan-McLean Center, University of Scranton, free.

THE CADILLACS 20TH ANNIVERSARY: featuring performances by The Tones, Danie-elle and Jim Cerminaro, March 27, Memorable Occasions, Main Street, Duryea. 457-2808.

WILCO: March 31, 8 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, $38.50.

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA: BEETHOVEN'S LAST NIGHT: April 9, 8 p.m., F. M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre, $48.50/$58.50.

UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON JAZZ BAND: April 14, 7:30 p.m., Houlihan-McLean Center, University of Scranton, free.

100 GENERATIONS: April 16, 10 p.m., PARC Pavilion, Ladore Camp & Conference Center, Waymart, donations accepted.

LOVIN' THE MUSIC: NEPA Philharmonic, April 17, 6 to 11:30 p.m., Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.

ALICE IN CHAINS: April 17, 8 p.m., Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, $35/$40.

THE DISCO BISCUITS: April 23, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre, $26.50.

A NOD TO GREATNESS: MOTOWN AND MORE: featuring Rebbie Jackson, Temptations, Music For Models and more, April 24, 7 p.m., Mellow Theater at Lackawanna College, benefits Haiti earthquake relief and local scholarships. 341-1599.

27TH ANNUAL WORLD PREMIERE COMPOSITION SERIES CONCERT: featuring University of Scranton concert band and choir, April 24, 8 p.m., Houlihan-McLean Center, free.

UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON STRING ORCHESTRA: May 1, 7:30 p.m., Houlihan-McLean Center, free.

UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON SINGERS AND SYMPHONIC BAND: May 8, 7:30 p.m., Houlihan-McLean Center, free.

WYOMING SEMINARY PAI CIVIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: May 11, 7:30 p.m., Houlihan-Mclean Center, University of Scranton, free.

ALAN JACKSON: May 16, Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza.

CAROLE KING AND JAMES TAYLOR: June 28, Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza.

DAVE MATTHEWS BAND WITH AMOS LEE: July 14, 7 p.m., Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain, $40/$70.

STAGE

ARSENIC AND OLD LACE: today and Saturday, Phelps Student Center, Baptist Bible College & Seminary, Clarks Summit, $6/$10.

THE CHAIRS: University of Scranton Players, today and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m., McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts.

THE HAUNTED DIETRICH: Dietrich After School Players, Saturday, 11 a.m., Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, $5.

THE GRAPES OF WRATH: Wednesday and March 12-13, 7 p.m.; March 14, 3 p.m., Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, $10.

O'MALLEY'S: Wednesday and March 21, 2:30 p.m., Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono.

LAWNCHAIRS: Electric Theatre Company, March 10-28; opening night party, March 12, 10 p.m.; Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 3 p.m., Electric Theatre, 326 Spruce St.

TWISTED THEATRE: A REVERSED REVUE: Marywood Players, March 12, 7 and 9 p.m., Sette LaVerghetta Center, Marywood University.

JOHN AND COURTNEY SHOW CABARET: March 13, 8 p.m.; March 14, 6:30 p.m., Phoenix Theatre Performing Arts Centre, 409 Main St., Duryea, $12.

BEETHOVEN'S SEVENTH: Ballet Northeast, March 13, 7:30 p.m.; March 14, 2 p.m., Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for Performing Arts, Wilkes University, $15/$20. 287-5802.

CACTUS FLOWER: Actors Circle, through March 14; Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m., Providence Playhouse, 1256 Providence Road, $6-$12.

ANNIE: Music Box Players, through March 14; Thursdays through Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 3 p.m., Music Box Dinner Playhouse, 196 Hughes St., Swoyersville.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF: March 19-20 and 25-27, 7 p.m.; March 21 and 28, 3 p.m., J.J. Ferrara Center, 212 W. Broad St., Hazleton. 454-5451.

NUNS ON A ROLL: March 24 and 31 and April 7, 2:30 p.m., Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono.

AGATHA CHRISTIE'S THE MOUSETRAP: A MYSTERY DINNER AND DESSERT THEATER: March 25, 8 p.m.; March 26, 7 p.m. and midnight; March 27, 7 p.m., Baptist Bible College, Clarks Summit, $12/$25. 585-9000.

A NIGHT AT THE THEATER BENEFIT: sponsored by Lackawanna Historical Society in conjunction with "Lawnchairs," pre-performance cocktail party, March 27, 7 p.m., Nada & Co., Wyoming Avenue; after-theater dinner, 10 p.m., Electric Theatre, 326 Spruce St. 344-3841.

THE GOLDEN AGE OF TELEVISION: March 27, preceded by dinner at 5:30 p.m., United Methodist Church, 411 Layton Road, Chinchilla, $20. 586-8012.

THE 5TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE: April 15-17, 8 p.m.; April 18, 2 p.m., Leahy Hall, University of Scranton, $10.

FLORA THE RED MENACE: University of Scranton Players, April 23 through May 2; Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m., McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts.

RON WHITE: April 24, 7 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre, $39.75.

BEEHIVE: May 12, 19 and 26, 2:30 p.m., Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono.

HAUNTED! MIND MYSTERIES & THE BEYOND: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 7 p.m., Houdini Museum, 1433 N. Main Ave.

high school plays

THE SOUND OF MUSIC: today and Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m., Valley View High School. $8/$5.

NO, NO, NANETTE: March 18-20 and 24-27, 7 p.m., Dunmore High School, $5/$8.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: April 16 and 17, 7 p.m., Carbondale Area High School, $4/$6.

ART

SALVATION ARMY WOMEN'S GROUP CRAFT AND BAKE SALE: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 500 S. Washington Ave. 344-2905.

A PORTRAIT OF THE MASONIC TEMPLE: oil painting class with Mary Lou Chibirka, Monday and March 15, 22 and 29 and April 5, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, $155 members/$160 nonmembers.

ART DECO PYSANKY: non-traditional Ukrainian egg-decorating with Stefanie Bush, Tuesday and March 16 or 23, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, $15 members/$20 nonmembers.

ROGUE BODIES: paintings by Ryan D. Ward, gallery talk, Wednesday, 2 p.m.; through April 18, Suraci Gallery, Marywood University.

ASHCAN HUMANISTS: by John Sloan and Jerome Myers, through March 12, Hope Horn Gallery, University of Scranton.

TERRA EMOTA: photography by Chip Forelli, opening reception March 12, 5 to 7 p.m.; through April 23, Lackawanna College Environmental Institute, Route 435, Covington Twp.

UKRAINIAN CULTURAL EXHIBIT AND CRAFT SALE: featuring Pysanky and Easter eggs, jewelry, ethnic foods and more, March 14, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. Vladimir Parish Center, 428 N. Seventh Ave.

MATTERING: by Cary Loving, through March 19, Linder Gallery, Keystone College.

WORKS IN CLAY: NEPA: opening reception March 20, 1 to 5 p.m.; through May 8, Moscow Clayworks, 223 N. Main St., Moscow.

NEPA INDEPENDENT ARTS BAZAAR: March 20, noon to 5 p.m., Eleanor Rigby's, Route 6, Jermyn.

SUMI AND SOUL: THE ART OF SUMI PAINTING WORKSHOP: March 22-23, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Hanson Gallery, 1037 Main St., Honesdale. To register, call 253-2525.

FIRST ANNIVERSARY JURIED ART EXHIBIT AND RECEPTION: featuring music by Jazz Assassins, March 26, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Main Street Gallery, Carbondale Chamber of Commerce.

SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY AT 200: through April 3, Butternut Gallery & Second Story Books, 42 Church St., Montrose.

COLINI: REMEMBERANCES OF PLACES PAST: April 7-30; gallery lecture, April 9, 5 p.m., Hope Horn Gallery, University of Scranton.

NORTHEAST PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB: opening reception, April 15, 6 to 8 p.m.; through May 13, Study Learning Center Building, Penn State Worthington campus.

HORROR VACUI: by Karl Neuroth, through April 19, Laura Craig Galleries, 307 Linden St.

RITSUKO SATO EXHIBITION OF CONTEMPORARY ART 2010: through April 25, Weinberg Memorial Library, University of Scranton.

MOSTLY MONDAY: paintings by Joan Johnson and Barbara Kapalski, through April 30, Wyoming County Courthouse Gallery, Tunkhannock.

CONNECTIONS' MAGAZINE ARTSCENE EXHIBIT: through April, Hanson Gallery & Decorium, 1037 Main St., Honesdale.

THE ART OF THE BRICK: LEGO SCULPTURES BY NATHAN SAWAYA: May 2, Everhart Museum.

BRICK CREATIONS: STUDENT ART AT THE EVERHART: through May 2, Everhart Museum.

ISAIAH'S CORNER: BUILD IT!: through May 2, Everhart Museum.

TWENTY-FOURTH ANNUAL STUDENT EXHIBITION: May 3-7; reception May 7, 6 p.m., Hope Horn Gallery, University of Scranton.

ANCIENT BRONZES OF THE ASIAN GRASSLANDS: May 21 to Sept. 6, Everhart Museum.

FOR EVERY SEASON: FOLK ART IN DAILY LIFE AND CELEBRATION: Sept. 24 to Dec. 31, Everhart Museum.

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY IN PENNSYLVANIA: COMMUNITIES IN COMMON, BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND PRESIDENTS DAY: permanent exhibit, Anthracite Heritage Museum, McDade Park.

WATERCOLOR AND MIXED MEDIA: by Bill Woelkers, ongoing exhibit, First Liberty Bank & Trust, 108 N. Washington Ave.

ETC.

DOCUMENTARY SCREENINGS: "Living in the City: The Colonnade Episode," today, 6 to 9 p.m., The Colonnade, 401 Jefferson Ave., $5 suggested donation; "Hubbard Mountain Bike Club: No Typical Thursday," Sunday, 3 p.m., Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall, University of Scranton, free.

GRAVITY SLASHERS FREESTYLE MOTOCROSS: today and Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Mohegan Sun at Casey Plaza, $16.50/$21.50/$31.50.

CPW WRESTLING BENEFIT SHOW: Saturday, doors open at 6:30 p.m., St. Mary's Center, Mifflin Avenue, $5/$8, benefits St. Mary's Church.

ABINGTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY EVENTS: West Grove Street, Clarks Summit: Beyond Internet Basics: For Book Lovers: LibraryThing, Shelfari and Goodreads, Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon; The Art of Pysanki, Monday, 6 to 8 p.m.; Red Cross Information Session, Thursday, 6 to 8 p.m.; "Jaws" screening and discussion, March 16, 6 to 9 p.m.; Companion Planting Seminar, March 18, 7 to 8:30 p.m.; Pokemon Party, March 19, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; Seuss Storytime, March 24, 6 p.m.; Alzheimers Presentation: Current Topics!, March 25, 7 to 8 p.m.

2010 NEPA KIDS BIRTHDAY EXPO: Saturday, 1:30 to 4:40 p.m., Electric City Plaza, Olive St, free. Visit www.kiddilly.com.

ABINGTON PARENTS READ BOOKS DISCUSSIONS: "The Pigman," Tuesday; "To Kill a Mockingbird," March 23; events held at 7 p.m., Abington Community Library, West Grove Street, Clarks Summit.

ALBRIGHT MEMORIAL LIBRARY EVENTS: 500 Vine St.: "Denial of Sunlight" book talk by Robert Troy, Thursday, 7 p.m.; "Abraham Lincoln: Self Made in America" exhibit opening reception, March 21, 2:30 p.m.; "Julie and Julia" book discussion by Julie Powell, March 30. 348-3000.

LEADERSHIP LACKAWANNA FUNDRAISER: featuring raffle baskets and refreshments, Thursday, 5 to 7 p.m., The Bog, 341 Adams Ave., benefits Heritage Explorer Bike Tour, $10.

DOCUMENTARY SCREENING: "Under Our Skin," presented by Endless Mountains Nature Center, March 13, 11 a.m., Tunkhannock Public Library, free.

HAWLEY LIBRARY BOOKLOVERS' BALL: featuring entertainment by Jeanette Hinton, March 13, begins 6 p.m., Ehrhardt's Waterfront Resort, Hawley, $40 per person/$75 per couple. 226-4620.

BOOK SIGNING: "Starting Your First Civil War Collection," by Frank D. Mroczka, March 13, noon to 5 p.m., Barne & Noble at Arena Hub, Wilkes-Barre.

CHARTER DAY CELEBRATION: featuring music by St. David's Male Chorus, lectures, book signings and "Wales in America" exhibition, March 14, noon to 5 p.m., Anthracite Heritage Museum, Mcdade Park.

LACKAWANNA COLLEGE ENVIRONMENTAL INSTITUTE EVENTS: Route 435, Covington Twp.: Cool Cities: Solving Global Warming One City at a Time, March 16, 6:30 p.m.; Natural Wonders: Inside of an Egg, March 25, 9:30 to 11 a.m.; Art in Nature: Handmade Paper Lampshades, March 27, 9 a.m. to noon; Going Solar, March 30, 6:30 p.m. 842-1506.

ANIMAL FIRST AID: March 17, 6:30 p.m., Taylor Community Library, 710 S. Main St., free. 562-1234.

THOMAS G. CUPILLARI '60 ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY SPRING PROGRAMS: featuring illustrated lectures and telescopic observations, Wednesdays and Fridays, March 17 through May 28, 7:30 p.m., Route 107, free. 945-8402.

NEPA SIERRA CLUB OUTING: First Day of Spring Walk the Olmsted Trail at Kirby Park Natural Area, March 20, meets 10 a.m., call 819-2147.

SCRANTON COIN CLUB ANNUAL COIN SHOW: March 20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; March 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oblates of St. Joseph's Seminary, Route 315, Pittston, free.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY CHILDREN'S LIBRARY EVENTS: 520 Vine St.: World Tales: Folktale Readers' Theatre, March 20, 2:30 p.m., ages 8-16; American Girl: Addy Book Club, March 27, 2:30 p.m., ages 9-12. 348-3000 ext. 3015.

GOURMET GALA: "South of the Border," March 21, 5 to 8 p.m., Genetti Manor, Dickson City, $40 in advance/$45 at the door, benefits Ronald McDonald House. 969-8998.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN EXHIBIT AND ACTIVITIES: "Self-Made in America" exhibit opening and reception, March 21, 2:30 p.m.; and "Young Abe" picture exhibit, through April 16, Lackawanna County Children's Library; Lincoln film festival, March 25, 2:30 p.m.; April 1 and 8, 2 p.m.; Lincoln's Crossroads, March 16, 6 p.m.; Scranton Address, March 23, 6 p.m.; A Lincoln Portrait, April 11, 4 p.m., events held at Albright Memorial Library.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS LUNCHEON AND FASHION SHOW: March 24, 11:45 a.m., Hilton Scranton and Conference Center.

WOODCOCK WATCH: March 27, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Lacawac Sanctuary, Lake Ariel, $3 members/$5 non-members.

THURSDAY TALKS!: "Finance & Real Estate," April 8, 7 p.m., $5, Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple.

NIGHT AT THE RACES: sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council No. 12572, April 10, 7 p.m., Holy Rosary Center. 963-1290.

AUTHOR LECTURE: featuring Julie Powell, April 13, 7 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple.

BOOK TALK: "Call Me Kate: Meeting the Molly Maguires," by Molly Roe, April 17, 1 p.m., Albright Memorial Library.

TELESPOND SENIOR SERVCIES AUXILIARY ANNUAL FASHION SHOW/LUNCHEON: "Step Into Spring Fashions," featuring entertainment by Step by Step Dancers and Frankie Gervasi, April 17, noon to 3 p.m., Hilton Scranton and Conference Center, $20/$22. 346-2278 or 489-5309.

EARTH WEEK FAIR AND EDUCATION FOR JUSTICE TEACH-IN: featuring interactive games and information, April 20, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dionne Campus Green and DeNaples Center, University of Scranton, free.

CHILDREN'S HEALTH FAIR: April 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Penn State Worthington Scranton campus.

SMUCKER'S STARS ON ICE: STARS FROM VANCOUVER: April 25, 4 p.m., Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza.

VILLA CAPRI CRUISERS: Annual Father's Day Show, June 20, gates open 8:30 a.m., Nay Aug Park; Reunion Car Show, Sept. 5, begins 9 a.m.; cruise nights, third Friday of the month, May through September, McDonald's, Route 590, Hamlin.