Johnson College Introduces Workforce Training Program to Support Regional Development Johnson College has launched its Customized Training Solutions program, offering flexible, targeted workforce development to meet the evolving needs of employers across northeastern Pennsylvania. Delivered through the college’s WAVE team (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education), the initiative is designed to help businesses train smarter and grow stronger. “Customized Training Solutions isn’t just about delivering education. It’s about building partnerships that solve real business challenges,” said Ashley Bechaver, director of WAVE. “From navigating compliance updates to reducing turnover or onboarding faster, we work with employers to create programs that lead to real results.” Grounded in Johnson College’s industry-aligned technical programs, the training is led by instructors with hands-on experience in fields such as HVAC, electrical construction technology, welding, advanced manufacturing, automotive and diesel truck technology, biomedical equipment technology, computer information technology, construction technology, and robotics and industrial automation. Programs are fully adaptable to meet each organization’s specific goals. Training is designed to align closely with each company’s tools, systems, and workflows, using equipment and scenarios that reflect real-world conditions to ensure practical, relevant learning with minimal disruption. Delivered on-site, online, or at Johnson College’s Scranton or Hazleton campuses, the training helps businesses boost productivity, improve quality, and retain employees. By focusing on job-specific expertise, companies can reduce downtime, minimize errors, and stay ahead of industry trends, while addressing challenges such as rapid growth, evolving job demands, and the need to build new workforce capabilities with measurable, long-term results. Businesses interested in creating a tailored training plan can contact the WAVE team at 570-702-8979 or email wave@johnson.edu. Inquiries should include the contact’s name, business name, title and preferred method of contact. To learn more about the program, visit johnson.edu/wave/trainingsolutions.
Scranton Area Community Foundation Showcases Bell and Inspiration Garden The Scranton Area Community Foundation proudly hosted the Bells Across Pennsylvania Unveiling & Celebration on Thursday, September 4, 2025, drawing a full house of community members, elected officials, and supporters to its home at the historic Century Club in Scranton. The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of “A City of Hope, A State of Giving,” a one-of-a-kind fiberglass bell created by local artist Cherie Fruehan. The bell, sponsored by the Scranton Area Community Foundation with generous support from Susan and Dorrance Belin, is one of just 108 to be placed across Pennsylvania as part of America250PA’s statewide public art initiative leading up to the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. Members of the Scranton Area Community Foundation Board of Governors gather in front of the newly unveiled “A City of Hope, A State of Giving” bell at The Scranton Area Community Foundation at the Century Club. Pictured (left to right): Ellen Burkey, David Price, Laura Ducceschi, Dr. Joseph Bannon, Ken Okrepkie, Katie Gilmartin, Patti Thomas, and Dr. Patricia Fox. The Foundation also unveiled its new Inspiration Garden at The Century Club—a welcoming outdoor space designed to honor the community’s spirit of generosity and provide a place for reflection and celebration. Program highlights included the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Chair Ellen Burkey, followed by remarks from Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Foundation; Leo Malsky, Director of Operations at America250PA; Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan; Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti; and artist Cherie Fruehan. The evening also featured the dedication of a National Votes for Women Trail marker honoring Kate Chapman and recognizing The Century Club’s historic role in the women’s suffrage movement. Following the program, guests enjoyed a reception and a special pop-up art exhibit showcasing Fruehan’s work, with the opportunity to meet the artist and enjoy light refreshments. Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, artist Cherie Fruehan, America250PA Director of Operations Leo Malsky, and Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan gather in front of the newly unveiled “A City of Hope, A State of Giving” bell at The Scranton Area Community Foundation at the Century Club on September 4, 2025. “The Inspiration Garden and the America250PA bell embody the very heart of our mission— connecting people, places, and resources so our region can thrive,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Together, they honor our history, celebrate the generosity of our community, and inspire us to imagine the future we can build when civic pride and philanthropy come together.” Leo Malsky, Director of Operations at America250PA, addresses a packed house during the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Bells Across Pennsylvania Unveiling & Celebration at The Century Club on September 4, 2025.
NEPA Healthcare Career & College Exploration Event The annual Healthcare Career & College Exploration Event will take place on Thursday, October 2, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Viewmont Mall in Dickson City. Hosted by NEPA AHEC, this dynamic event brings together over 40 vendors, including colleges, universities, and leading healthcare organizations actively seeking new talent—and many offering exciting incentives for attendees. This event provides students and community members with a unique opportunity to explore diverse healthcare careers, engage directly with industry professionals, and participate in hands-on activities. Many exhibitors will feature interactive displays and lab equipment to give students a real-world glimpse into medical professions. We’re excited to welcome school districts from across the region, many of which are providing transportation for students. Last year’s event drew nearly 400 high school students from seven counties, all eager to learn more about careers in healthcare—and this year promises to be even bigger.
Rikasa Restaurant Presents Clued In: Murder Mystery Dinner Click here to find more information about this event
Maternal & Family Health Services Announces 2025 Annual Community Luncheon Click here to find additional information and details
Geisinger Hosting Super Saturday Flu Shot Clinics Flu season is quickly approaching, and Geisinger is making it easy to get vaccinated at Super Saturday drive-through flu shot events. This Saturday, Sept. 13, is the first event. Drive-thru flu shots will be available for anyone age 3 and older at dozens of participating Geisinger locations. Patients 6 months and older can receive their flu shot at Geisinger pediatrics locations. All Super Saturday events are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Events will also be held Oct. 4 and Oct. 18. “The flu vaccine protects you against serious illness and keeps you from spreading the flu to those at high risk of severe illness, such as newborns, children, pregnant women, elderly and immunocompromised people,” said Stanley Martin, M.D., Geisinger director of infectious diseases. Flu season typically begins in the fall and lasts throughout the winter, although the virus can be spread year-round. Super Saturday drive-throughs will be held at the following Geisinger locations: Central Region: Clinics Geisinger Berwick (2200 W. Front St.) Geisinger Medical Clinic Buckhorn (240 Mall Blvd.) Geisinger Frackville (701 West Oak St.) Geisinger Kulpmont (119 Nevada Drive) Geisinger Lewisburg (250 Reitz Blvd.) Geisinger Orwigsburg (300 Hollywood Blvd.) Geisinger Pottsville (529 Terry Reiley Way) Geisinger Woodbine (16 Woodbine Lane) Pediatrics Geisinger Pediatrics Pottsville (529 Terry Reiley Way) Geisinger Pediatrics Lewisburg (55 Medical Park Drive) Geisinger Pediatrics Woodbine (16 Woodbine Lane) Geisinger Pediatrics Bloomsburg (2407 Reichard Road) 65 Forward Geisinger 65 Forward Buckhorn (240 Mall Blvd.) Geisinger 65 Forward Pottsville (529 Terry Reiley Way) Geisinger 65 Forward Shamokin Coal Township (933 Route 61) North Central Region: Clinics Geisinger Medical Clinic Lock Haven (68 Spring St.) Geisinger Medical Center Muncy (255 Route 220) Pediatrics Geisinger Pediatrics Lock Haven (68 Spring St.) Geisinger Pediatrics Muncy (255 Route 220) Western Region: Clinics Geisinger Healthplex State College (132 Abigail Lane) Geisinger Lewistown (21 Geisinger Lane) Geisinger Mifflintown (27 CJEMS Lane) Geisinger Philipsburg Multi-Specialty Clinic (210 Medical Center Drive) Geisinger Primary Care Huntingdon (3228 Cold Springs Road) – Sept. 13 and Oct. 4 only Pediatrics Geisinger Pediatrics Healthplex State College (132 Abigail Lane) Geisinger Pediatrics Lewistown (21 Geisinger Lane) Geisinger Pediatrics Philipsburg (210 Medical Drive) Northeast Region: Clinics Geisinger Dallas (114 Lt. Michael Cleary Drive) Geisinger Healthplex CenterPoint (1201 Oak St.) Geisinger Kingston (560 Pierce St.) Geisinger Mountain Top (35 S. Mountain Blvd.) Geisinger Mt. Pocono (126 Market Way) Geisinger Tunkhannock (809 Hunter Highway) CommunityCare CommunityCare Hazleton (426 Airport Road) CommunityCare Kistler Clinic (175 S. Wilkes-Barre Blvd.) CommunityCare Mt. Pleasant (531 Mt. Pleasant Blvd.) Pediatrics Geisinger Pediatrics Mt. Pocono (126 Market Way) Geisinger Pediatrics Scranton (5 Morgan Highway) Geisinger Pediatrics Forty Fort (190 Welles St.) 65 Forward Geisinger 65 Forward Hazleton (20 Diana Lane) Geisinger 65 Forward Kingston (499 Wyoming Ave.) Geisinger 65 Forward Scranton (3 W. Olive St.)
Geisinger College’s School of Medicine Announces TEDx Event Geisinger College’s School of Medicine is bringing a TEDx event to Scranton on Thursday, Oct. 2. TEDx events, delivered under the banner “ideas worth spreading,” feature insightful, engaging speakers with fresh takes on topics of immediate community interest. The event will feature seven speakers who will share their points of view on fostering humility. Speakers will explore humility in science, medicine and education. “For far too many of us, humility is equated with being weak or lacking confidence,” said event planner Calvin Kiniale, a member of Geisinger’s MD Class of 2027. “We want to challenge that idea and showcase humility as a great strength that empowers you to connect with others and embrace lifelong learning. We are looking for speakers who will explore humility in science, medicine and education. Our goal is to spark thought-provoking conversations on the topic.” Event Details: Thursday, Oct. 2, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Medical Sciences Building, 525 Pine St., Scranton Theme: “Fostering Humility”
Geisinger College of Health Sciences Presents Preventive Medicine Lecture Series What if the foods you eat could help prevent or even reverse some of today’s leading causes of death? Dr. Michael Greger will share research on how nutrition impacts heart disease, diabetes, cancer and more. Gain practical tips to make healthier choices. What: How Not to Die When: Tuesday, Oct. 7, 5:30 p.m. Where: Geisinger College of Health Sciences, Auditorium 525 Pine St., Scranton, PA Register: go.geisinger.edu/hntd
Hospice of the Sacred Heart Announces Monica Project Dedication Hospice of the Sacred Heart will formally dedicate the Monica Project Memorial Pollinator Garden Wednesday, September 17th at 4 pm in Nay Aug Park. The impressive garden was created in memory of Monica Patel, a beautiful young girl who passed away in 2015 under the care of Hospice of the Sacred Heart. For parents, siblings and grandparents, the loss of a child is a profound journey. Hospice of the Sacred Heart offers a compassionate space to find support, understanding and encouragement during a difficult time. Our services are designed to help individuals process the unique complexities of grieving a child, regardless of their age or circumstances of their passing. This garden, a repurposed piece of land, has been transformed over the better part of the last five years by Hospice of the Sacred Heart employees, members of the Greenhouse Project and other community volunteers. Carefully chosen pollinator plants have been planted to attract birds, bees and butterflies and a bench has been installed directly across from the garden so guests can pray or meditate in a quiet, peaceful setting. Diane Baldi, Hospice of the Sacred Heart CEO, will be available for interviews. The garden is located adjacent to the greenhouse at 200 Arthur Avenue in Scranton.
Indraloka Sanctuary Showcases NEPA at Compassion for Animals & Environment Conference Indraloka, nestled in the rolling hills of Northeastern Pennsylvania, will be featured as a key exhibitor at the Compassion for Animals and Environment (CAE) Conference, held at Bucks County Community College on Saturday, September 27. The CAE Conference is the only gathering of its kind that unites leaders in animal welfare, science, law, and social justice with a shared mission: honoring animals’ intelligence and emotions, promoting plant-based living, and building a kinder, more sustainable world. Indraloka’s presence highlights not only the sanctuary’s role as a safe haven for nearly 200 rescued farm animals, but also positions NEPA as a hub for innovation in compassion and wellness. “Every time we step onto a stage outside our region, we carry the heart of Northeastern Pennsylvania with us,” said Robin Olson, Indraloka’s Director of Development and Montgomery County resident. “This is an opportunity to show larger metro audiences the meaningful work happening in our state and invite them to experience it firsthand. What Indraloka is doing is relevant beyond its hometown.” The event includes thought-provoking speakers, workshops, and exhibits from leading animal advocates, with Indraloka standing proudly alongside national organizations such as Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and Rowdy Girl Sanctuary. Conference Details: 📍 Bucks County Community College, Rollins Center Gallagher Room, Newtown, PA 📅 Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 9 AM – 3 PM 🎟️ Registration: $30 general | $18 students 🍴 Vegan lunch included | Register online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1234094482819?aff=oddtdtcreator
