Women in Philanthropy to Host Panel Celebrating Women Who Shaped Lackawanna County Women in Philanthropy, an initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation (SACF), will host Women Who Shaped Lackawanna County: A Panel Discussion Celebrating Past Contributions and Present Impact on Tuesday, September 15, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Scranton Area Community Foundation, 612 Jefferson Avenue in Scranton. The event is free and open to the public and will celebrate the generations of women who have helped shape Lackawanna County through leadership, philanthropy, volunteerism, advocacy, service and civic engagement. Held as part of SACF’s continued America250PA commemoration, the program will bring together leaders from four local organizations with deep connections to the region’s history and community life. Panelists will share stories of women who came before us, the organizations they helped build and the ways women continue to strengthen Lackawanna County today. “For generations, women have played a defining role in shaping Lackawanna County—building organizations, strengthening neighborhoods, responding to community needs, and creating opportunities for others,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “As we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, this event gives us an opportunity to celebrate that remarkable legacy while also recognizing the women whose leadership, generosity, and service continue to move our community forward today.” Women in Philanthropy was founded in 2014 on the belief that when women come together, they can make a meaningful difference in their community. The initiative creates opportunities for women to learn, connect, give, volunteer and lead while turning individual contributions into collective impact. Guests attending the program are also invited to visit the America250PA bell located at the Scranton Area Community Foundation before or after the event. Titled A State of Giving, A City of Hope, the one-of-a-kind bell was designed by local artist Cherie Fruehan and unveiled in September 2025. It is one of more than 100 bells placed throughout Pennsylvania as part of America250PA’s statewide Bells Across PA initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. The bell was sponsored by SACF with generous support from Susan and Dorrance Belin and celebrates the region’s history, generosity, and hope for the future.
United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike encouraging people to Dress Down for Dolly United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike is asking employers to encourage their employees to Dress Down for Dolly on September 25. Employees can dress down, wear some pink and add some Dolly Parton-inspired sparkle, or simply celebrate the day together. Those who participate are also encouraged to donate either $9, $2 or $5 (in honor of 9/25) to United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. Every dollar raised will support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Lackawanna County, which provides free, age-appropriate books directly to children from birth through age five. To date, more than 110,000 books have been sent to children throughout Lackawanna County through the program, with over 2,800 kids currently receiving books each month. If a dress-down day doesn’t work for your organization, you can consider hosting a bake sale, setting up a “Dolly Day” coffee jar, holding a small raffle or creating your own fun way to honor Dolly Parton.
Click-Video launches HealthConvos Click-Video is pleased to announce the launch of HealthConvos, an interactive patient education platform designed to help healthcare organizations support patients beyond the clinical encounter—without adding more work to their teams. Patients often think of important questions after they leave an appointment. With HealthConvos, they can ask questions in their own words and receive a relevant, organization-approved video answer within a simple, conversational experience. No patient login or personal information is required. Healthcare organizations can make HealthConvos available through a link, QR code, or website embed—without requiring a complex EHR integration. In addition to helping patients find clear information when questions arise, HealthConvos gives organizations insight into aggregate question trends. These trends can help patient education and experience teams identify common areas of uncertainty, recognize gaps in existing resources, and determine what educational content may be needed next. “HealthConvos was built around a simple idea: patient education should begin with the patient’s question,” said Joy Lin, Co-founder, President and CTO of Click-Video. “We want to help healthcare organizations extend trusted support beyond the appointment while making approved education easier for patients to access.” HealthConvos is designed for health systems, hospitals, healthcare practices, patient education teams, patient experience leaders, and organizations working to improve patient understanding and follow-through. To learn more, visit https://health-convos.com.
Geisinger School of Medicine seeks speakers for TEDxGCSOM 2026 Geisinger College of Health Sciences is seeking speakers for TEDxGCSOM 2026, an event that will challenge the community to explore a universal question: Why Care? The event will be held Wednesday, Oct. 15, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Medical Sciences Building in Scranton. Selected local speakers will examine the many ways care shapes lives, communities and healthcare. Applications are open to a diverse range of speakers, including patients and family members, students, healthcare providers, social workers, therapists, educators, caregivers, community leaders — essentially anyone with a meaningful perspective on the role of care in our lives. “Care is at the heart of the human experience,” said first-year medical student and event organizer Mario Lopez. “It can be found in a life-changing medical intervention, a difficult conversation, an act of advocacy, a moment of compassion or a connection that leaves a lasting impact. TEDxGCSOM offers an opportunity to explore why care matters and how it influences our world.” Potential topics include: · Personal experiences receiving care · The impact of compassionate healthcare · Caregiving and caregiving challenges · Patient advocacy · Health equity and access · Mental health · Innovation in healthcare · Resilience, healing and recovery · Lessons learned through providing care To apply, visit TEDxGCSOM Speaker Application. Application deadline is Sept. 20. TEDx events are local, independently organized programs that bring people together to share ideas and foster meaningful dialogue. Modeled after TED conferences, TEDx events feature live speakers and recorded TED Talks centered on ideas worth spreading within local communities.
Johnson College Sets Eighth Consecutive Enrollment Record as College Continues to Grow As of Aug. 31, the first day of the 2026-27 academic year, 743 students are enrolled across Johnson College’s Scranton and Hazleton campuses, a 7% increase over the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year. This marks the College’s eighth consecutive year of record enrollment. The continued growth comes as Johnson College expands its academic offerings, facilities and access to career-focused education throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. This year’s incoming class includes more than 330 first-year students and more than 100 high school students enrolled in the College’s Industry Fast Track early college program. The continued enrollment growth comes at a time when colleges and universities across the country are facing a shrinking pipeline of traditional college-age students, making Johnson College’s sustained growth particularly notable. “Our continued enrollment growth demonstrates the value students and families place on career-focused education and the opportunities it can provide,” said Bill Burke, vice president of enrollment and student affairs. “Students are looking for programs that prepare them for careers where their skills are in demand, and Johnson College continues to expand those opportunities to meet the needs of both students and employers.” The College’s Hazleton campus experienced a 35% enrollment increase over last year, including its largest incoming classes to date in HVAC and Electrical Construction Technology. The growth comes as Johnson College expands the programs and opportunities available at the Hazleton campus. For the 2026-27 academic year, Johnson College introduced six new academic offerings. Computer Information Technology added three new concentrations: Cybersecurity, Scripting and Application Development, and Network Management. Mechatronics Technology added two new concentrations: Automation and Robotics and Industrial Mechanics. The College also introduced a new Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology with Plumbing option. For the first time, the two new Mechatronics Technology concentrations and the HVAC with Plumbing option are being offered at the Hazleton campus. The new offerings are contributing to significant enrollment growth across several areas. Enrollment in HVAC programs increased 15%, including both the traditional HVAC option and the new HVAC with Plumbing option. Enrollment in Mechatronics Technology more than doubled, combining the new Automation and Robotics and Industrial Mechanics concentrations. Computer Information Technology enrollment increased 50% following the addition of its three new concentrations. “We’re seeing tremendous growth at our Hazleton campus, and that growth reflects the demand for technical education in the communities we serve,” Burke said. “By bringing additional programs to Hazleton, we’re giving more students access to career opportunities close to home while responding to the workforce needs of employers throughout the region.” Building on the new HVAC with Plumbing option, Johnson College will further expand its plumbing education offerings in spring 2027 with the launch of a one-year Plumbing Academic Certificate program at both the Scranton and Hazleton campuses. Johnson College also expanded its physical footprint this year by adding the new Transportation Technology Center on Wyoming Avenue in downtown Scranton. The facility now houses lab space for the College’s Diesel Truck Technology, Diesel Preventative Maintenance Technology and Automotive Technology programs, providing students with expanded space for technical training. Other core programs, including Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology, Aviation Technology, Welding, Veterinary Nursing and Radiologic Technology, also continued to show strong enrollment. “These enrollment numbers are another indication that students are responding to the opportunities available at Johnson College,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO. “Our growth is allowing us to expand our programs, invest in new facilities and bring more career-focused education to students across Northeastern Pennsylvania. Our strong relationships with industry partners are an important part of that growth. By working directly with employers, we can ensure our programs teach the technical skills, knowledge and soft skills students need to succeed in today’s workforce. That connection between education and industry is at the heart of what we do at Johnson College.”
SWB RailRiders, Volpe Earns International League Player of the Week Award Minor League Baseball has announced its weekly awards for September 1-6 and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s Anthony Volpe was named the International League’s Player of the Week. In six games played, Volpe helped the team to five wins against Lehigh Valley and move into a tie for first place in the league. Volpe hit .524 on the week, going 11-21 with eleven hits. He smashed three doubles and three home runs. Theright-hander drove in six runs while scoring eight of his own. Volpe also walked three times and stole five bags.The 25-year-old has hit in .295 in 27 total games since returning to the RailRiders on August 7. In that time,he has smacked ten home runs and seven doubles while driving in 21 runs. Batting second consistently forManager Shelley Duncan, Volpe has also played three different defensive positions including second and thirdbase and shortstop. Volpe joins Tyler Hardman and Yanquiel Fernández as RailRiders position players who have won the award thisseason. Brendan Beck, three times, and Alexander Cornielle have also taken home the honors on the pitchingside. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre begins their series against Rochester, the other team tied for first place with in theInternational League. The RailRiders return to PNC Field on September 15 to wrap up their regular seasonagainst Jacksonville. For more information on the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders visit www.swbrailriders.com.
UNC to Celebrate 10th Annual Welcoming Scranton United Neighborhood Centres of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) is inviting the community to celebrate the 10th Annual Welcoming Scranton on Saturday, September 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at UNC’s CEDAR Center. The free, family-friendly celebration will be held in conjunction with UNC’s South Side Farmers Market. For a decade, Welcoming Scranton has brought together longtime residents and newcomers to celebrate the cultures, traditions and people that make up the Scranton community. The event is part of the national Welcoming Week celebration and promotes connection, cross-cultural understanding and a sense of belonging for all. “For 10 years, Welcoming Scranton has created a space where newcomers and lifelong residents can come together to celebrate the many cultures and traditions that make our community stronger,” said Lisa Durkin, UNC President and CEO. “We’re proud of how this event has grown over the past decade and the connections it continues to create across our community.” Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy live music and performances, as well as free face painting and ice cream for children, student-led crafts and activities, a pop-up health clinic and opportunities to connect with local community partners. Welcoming Scranton is free and open to the public. Free activities and ice cream are available while supplies last.
Johnson College Receives Grant for After School STEM Experience Program Johnson College received a $10,000 grant that will support the college’s After School STEM Experience Program, which introduces middle school students to science, technology, engineering and mathematics through engaging, project-based activities. The After School STEM Experience Program will serve 100 seventh- and eighth-grade students from economically disadvantaged and diverse backgrounds in Lackawanna County, including students from NativityMiguel School, Old Forge, Scranton South, Scranton West, Carbondale Area, Susquehanna Community and Lakeland school districts. Held three days a week for four weeks at participating schools, the program allows students to explore robotics, 3D printing, electric circuits, computer programming and computer numerical control (CNC) machining. These experiences strengthen critical-thinking and problem-solving skills while introducing students to engineering and advanced manufacturing concepts. “We’re grateful to the PPL Foundation for investing in the future of our community,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO of Johnson College. “This grant allows us to introduce students to new ideas, technologies and career possibilities at an important stage in their education. By encouraging curiosity and building practical skills, we’re helping young people see new possibilities for their future while strengthening the pipeline of skilled professionals our region depends on.” The program reflects Johnson College’s commitment to expanding educational access and preparing future generations for technical careers that support regional workforce needs. By partnering with local school districts, the college reaches students who may not otherwise have access to STEM enrichment outside the classroom. School principals and guidance counselors help identify students with an interest in these fields, ensuring the program reaches those who will benefit most. Johnson College also provides institutional support to help make the program possible.
Clubhouse315 hosting Boots & Brews Music Fest on September 12 Clubhouse315 in Wilkes-Barre is hosting the Boots & Brews Music Fest on Saturday, September 12. Doors will open for the event at 2:00 p.m. and the music will begin at 3:00 p.m. The event will feature food trucks, corn hole, an indoor game room, face painting, giveaways, artisan vendors, line dancing, frozen drinks, a full bar and more. There will also be a “Hole In One” golf simulator competition with cash prizes ranging from $500 to $10,000. The music festival is a family-friendly event that people of all ages can attend. Everyone is encouraged to wear their best country gear. Lawn chairs are also permitted. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Kids ages 5 and under are free.
Steamtown Hot Yoga & Barre hosting belly dancing workshop on Sunday Steamtown Hot Yoga & Barre in Scranton’s Lace Village will host a belly dancing workshop on Sunday, September 13 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. No experience is necessary for the workshop, and attendees are invited to bring a friend or family member along. Attendees will explore various movements with Philadelphia-based dance performer and instructor Amalia. The room will not be heated for this workshop. Tickets are $30 per person. You can register for the workshop by clicking here.
