Tickets now on sale for Mystic Pizza at the Scranton Cultural Center The musical Mystic Pizza is coming to the Scranton Cultural Center from October 23-25, and tickets are now on sale. Mystic Pizza: A New Musical delivers the beloved story from the iconic hit film driven by a score packed with unforgettable hits from the ’80s and ’90s. Follow best friends Kat, Daisy, and Jojo as they navigate the complexities of friendship and romance, all while slinging slices at a small-town pizza joint. You can buy tickets online by clicking here, in person at the Scranton Cultural Center Box Office on North Washington Avenue in Scranton or by calling (570) 342-7784.
Roba Family Farms hosting Jurassic Farm Roba Family Farms in North Abington Township is hosting its Jurassic Farm Dino Fest event once again this year! Through September 27, families can visit the farm for some end-of-summer fun and spend some time with the dinosaurs! Tickets are $19.95 per person and can be purchased on the Roba Family Farms website. You can also purchase day passes for the farm and make campfire site reservations.
Johnson College Offers WIOA-Approved Online Career Training Programs Johnson College offers WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act)-approved career training designed to help eligible individuals gain skills and industry credentials that can support new career opportunities or advancement in their current field. Through Johnson College’s Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education (WAVE) program, individuals can enroll in career-focused training at any time and complete programs 100% online. Books and materials are included, and certification exam vouchers may be available for select programs. Some courses also include instructor-led support and guidance. Johnson College offers 13 career-focused training courses in areas such as electronic health records, medical billing and coding, professional bookkeeping with QuickBooks, sales representative and more. The programs provide opportunities for learners to develop practical skills and pursue industry-recognized certifications aligned with their professional goals. WIOA-approved training is available to eligible individuals seeking to gain new skills, change careers or strengthen their qualifications for employment. Individuals interested in WIOA-approved training at Johnson College can learn more about available programs, eligibility requirements and how to get started at johnson.edu/wave or by contacting wave@johnson.edu. PA CareerLink® Lackawanna County – a proud partner of the American Job Center network.
Tobyhanna Army Depot celebrating National Preparedness Month Tobyhanna Army Depot is using National Preparedness Month this September to remind its workforce that readiness doesn’t begin when the sirens sound; it begins much earlier with knowing the risks, making a plan, having the right supplies and understanding how to receive critical information. This year’s National Preparedness Month theme, “Americans Stand Ready,” emphasizes the importance of individuals and communities taking an active role in preparing for emergencies before they happen. Emergency management personnel monitor weather and regional threats, coordinate with partner agencies and conduct exercises designed to identify vulnerabilities before they become problems. Tobyhanna also maintains several systems designed to keep employees informed during an emergency, including the ALERT! mass notification system, the Giant Voice outdoor warning system and more. Those systems are only effective if employees know how they work and are prepared to respond when an alert is issued. It’s also important to verify and update your emergency contact and notification settings at work and at home. Employees should ensure their information in ALERT! is current, while families should establish emergency contacts, enable local weather alerts and identify an out-of-area contact who can serve as a central point of communication if local networks become overwhelmed. Employees should identify at least two ways out of their immediate work area and know the locations of nearby fire extinguishers, first aid kits and automated external defibrillators. They should also know where to shelter during severe weather and understand how that differs from an evacuation during an event such as a fire. Understanding the difference between a watch and a warning, knowing where to go and recognizing what an emergency notification is asking you to do can save valuable time. Employees should also familiarize themselves with Tobyhanna’s Emergency Action Plans, commonly referred to as the “Rainbow Flip Chart,” which provides guidance for responding to various emergencies. Installation training opportunities can provide another layer of preparedness. Courses such as CPR/AED certification and Stop the Bleed training give employees practical skills they can use when professional help may not immediately be available. Finally, preparedness doesn’t stop at just the workplace. Families should have a plan that identifies evacuation routes, meeting locations and methods of communication if family members become separated. Plans should account for children, elderly relatives, and pets.
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.
