Urban Co-Works hosting free networking event Urban Co-Works is hosting a free networking event on Tuesday, September 8 from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. The event will be at the Urban Co-Works building located at 116 North Washington Avenue 3rd Floor Scranton, PA. ‘Networking 5 to 7″ is designed to foster connections and collaboration among professionals in diverse industries. Attendees will be able to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and explore opportunities in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Entrepreneurs, freelancers, and corporate professionals are all welcome. You can secure your spot for this event here.
Urban Co-Works hosting free First Friday coworking event Urban Co-Works is hosting a free First Friday Co-Working event that’s open to professionals throughout the region. It will be on Friday, September 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Urban Co-Works building at 116 North Washington Avenue 3rd Floor Scranton, PA. Attendees will be able to get their work done in a distraction-free environment. Freelancers, entrepreneurs, remote workers, and office workers are all welcome. You can reserve a spot for this event here.
Fall Schemel Forum at University of Scranton to feature nationally recognized presenters The University of Scranton’s Schemel Forum will offer an eclectic lineup of programs this fall, spanning topics including culture, health care, history, media, politics and beyond. The events are sponsored by Munley Law. The first of the Schemel Forum’s two evening courses this fall explores television series M*A*S*H as a lens through which to examine American culture, war and storytelling. Charlie Cino, English and theatre instructor at The University of Scranton, will lead the course. The second evening course examines Karl Marx’s “Das Kapital,” one of the most debated and influential works of economic and political thought. Andrew LaZella, Ph.D., professor of philosophy at The University of Scranton, will lead the course. The M*A*S*H course will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, beginning Sept. 10 and concluding Oct. 15, in Room 305 of the Weinberg Memorial Library. The Karl Marx course will be held from 6 to 7:15 p.m. on Mondays, beginning Oct. 19 and concluding Nov. 23, also in Room 305 of the library. The first of four World Affairs Luncheon Seminars will feature Rev. James Martin, S.J. H’17, a New York Times best-selling author and frequent media commentator seen and heard throughout the world. Father Martin’s lecture will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, inside the McIlhenny Ballroom on the fourth floor of the DeNaples Center. Terence Keel, Ph.D., an award-winning professor at UCLA, will discuss death records and accountability in cases involving police violence from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7. Dr. Keel’s presentation will be held inside the Rose Room on the fifth floor of Brennan Hall. Victor Goines, jazz chair at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, will explore the various forces that have shaped the evolution of jazz from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at the Rose Room in Brennan Hall. Steven J. Scheinman, M.D., dean emeritus of the Geisinger College of Health Sciences, will present on the “social determinants of health” from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, at the Rose Room in Brennan Hall. The Schemel Forum will co-sponsor two collaborative programs, beginning with Peace Ike’s presentation and discussion on “The 3 Degrees of Why: Moving Beyond Positions to the Stories That Shape Us.” Ike is a culture strategist, dialogue facilitator and speaker who works across secular and faith-based spaces to build bridges and foster cultural transformation. Ike’s presentation, offered in conjunction with the University’s Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities, will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, in the Rose Room of Brennan Hall. Beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, in the Pearn Auditorium on the second floor of Brennan Hall, the documentary, The Librarians, will be screened. A panel discussion will follow featuring Susan Campbell Bartoletti, an award-winning author; Kate Cummings, assistant professor and research and instruction librarian for business and AI at the University’s Weinberg Memorial Library; and Michele Legate, district consultant for the Northeast Library District, based out of the Scranton Public Library. The screening and panel are presented in partnership with the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library. The Schemel Forum’s annual University for a Day program will return from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, in the Moskovitz Theater of the DeNaples Center. Participants will attend three lectures presented by University faculty members on topics ranging from theology and mindfulness to college football analytics. Presenters include Will Cohen, Ph.D., professor of theology; Katherine J. Stefanelli, Ph.D., assistant professor of counseling and human services; and David A. Mahalak, D.Eng., assistant professor of operations and analytics. Registration fees vary by program and membership level. The collaborative programs are offered free of charge. World Affairs Luncheon Seminars are priced at $30 per person. University for a Day is $35 per person; however, the first 100 high school students to register may attend free of charge. Membership options and package rates are also available. For complete program details, registration information and membership rates, please visit the Schemel Forum website, email schemelforum@scranton.edu or call 570-941-4740.
The Dime Bank celebrates employee graduations The Dime Bank is proud to recognize five of its dedicated employees for graduating from the Pennsylvania Bankers Association’s Schools of Banking, a significant achievement that highlights their commitment to professional growth and excellence in the banking industry. Gary Schemel II, Amanda Abbruzzi, and Cora-Ann Grossman have successfully completed the Advanced School of Banking, a comprehensive three-year leadership development program designed to prepare banking professionals for management and leadership roles within the financial services industry. Through a curriculum focused on financial services knowledge, leadership development, and strategic thinking, participants gain a deeper understanding of the many disciplines within banking and how they work together to drive organizational success. Caitlin Babyak and Madison Irish completed the PA Bankers School of Banking, a comprehensive one-year program designed to provide a strong foundation in core banking principles. “We are incredibly proud of our team members for their hard work and commitment to professional development,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich. “Completing these rigorous programs demonstrates their dedication to advancing their careers and strengthening the future of The Dime Bank. Their achievements reflect both their individual talents and the bank’s ongoing investment in building the next generation of leaders.” Schemel II has served the banking industry for 12 years. As vice president, BSA/fraud officer, he leads the bank’s programs to stop financial crime and manage risk related to fraud. He oversees compliance with anti-money laundering laws and directs fraud prevention strategies. His daily focus centers on monitoring transactions, investigating suspicious activities, and ensuring strict adherence to complex federal guidelines. Additionally, he designs comprehensive risk-mitigation policies and delivers essential training to safeguard both the institution and our customers from emerging threats. Abbruzzi has served the banking industry for eight years. As training manager, she oversees employee training programs, coordinates the bank’s training curriculum, monitors employee progress, and helps ensure completion of required learning and compliance initiatives. She works closely with departments to support employee development and foster a culture of continuous learning. Throughout her career, Abbruzzi has built experience in training and professional development, helping team members gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their roles. Grossman has served the banking industry for seven years, joining The Dime Bank as universal banker in 2022 and recently promoted to branch manager II. She manages branch operations, leads her team, and helps customers achieve their financial goals. Known for her dedication to customer service and team development, she is committed to creating a positive banking experience for every customer. Babyak has five years of experience in the banking industry and currently serves as HR & training generalist I. She supports the bank’s recruitment efforts by sourcing and screening candidates for open positions, manages administrative responsibilities, and assists the training department with onboarding and training new hires. Prior to transitioning into her current role, she assisted customers with their everyday banking needs and provided exceptional service while building strong customer relationships. Irish has been in the banking industry for three years. As the insurance/escrow representative, she is dedicated to providing accurate, timely support to both customers and colleagues. Irish maintains and analyzes escrow accounts, assists borrowers and peers with escrow inquiries, and performs general loan operations functions.
The Wright Center to host September ‘Walk with a Doc’ events in Lackawanna County The Wright Center for Community Health is inviting people of all ages to lace up their sneakers and join a growing movement toward better health and stronger community connections with its monthly Walk with a Doc events. Led by local physicians and healthcare professionals, these community walks offer an easy, fun and social way to get moving while engaging in health-focused conversations. Participants enjoy light exercise, have the opportunity to ask health-related questions and connect with others in a relaxed, informal setting. The September Walk with a Doc in Jermyn will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 9 a.m. at the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. Walkers should gather at the Delaware Street Trailhead entrance. The Scranton Walk is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, at 9 a.m., also along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, with walkers meeting at the Olive Street entrance. These events are free and open to the public, welcoming individuals of all fitness levels. No pre-registration is required. For more information about The Wright Center for Community Health’s Walk with a Doc program, please contact Melissa Germano-Ryczak at germanom@TheWrightCenter.org.
The Wright Center hosts ribbon-cutting for Carbondale location The Wright Center for Community Health celebrated the opening of its newest community health center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 12, in Carbondale. The Wright Center for Community Health Friendship House – Carbondale, located inside Friendship House’s new Whole-Person Care Center at 30 N. Main St., Suite 100, began seeing patients Thursday, Aug. 13. Led by Medical Director Bryan Boyle, a longtime board-certified physician assistant, the community health center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The new location provides whole-person primary and preventive health services, including checkups, health screenings, and treatment for common illnesses and injuries. Care is available for everyone, regardless of insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay. Patients do not need to be a Friendship House client to receive care at the community health center. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-591-5298. “For generations, Friendship House has helped children, adults, and families build resilience through an extraordinary continuum of care that includes mental and behavioral health services, autism and developmental disability programs, social services, school-based behavioral health support, and integrated primary care,” Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Center, said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “The Wright Center complements that work by providing comprehensive whole-person primary and preventive health services while educating and training the next generation of physicians and interprofessional healthcare teams. Together, we are making it easier for individuals and families to access compassionate, coordinated care in one trusted setting – care that recognizes each person’s inherent dignity, supports recovery and resilience, promotes lifelong wellness, and helps people achieve their fullest potential.” The community health center in Carbondale marks The Wright Center’s second partnership with Friendship House. Since November 2024, The Wright Center’s clinical team has provided primary care at more than 3,500 patient visits at Friendship House’s Whole Person Care Center in Scranton, located at 200 Wyoming Ave. The Wright Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. Founded in 1976, The Wright Centers for Community Health, Graduate Medical Education, and Patient & Community Engagement is a physician-led, community-owned nonprofit and a cornerstone of health care in the region. The organization employs nearly 680 professionals – including nearly 200 resident and fellow physicians – and trains more than 200 interprofessional health care learners each year. In fiscal year 2025-26, The Wright Center served more than 39,000 unique patients across all care settings in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. As a Federally Qualified Health Center and safety-net provider, The Wright Center serves all patients, regardless of insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay. No patient is turned away due to an inability to pay. Learn more at TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
Life Purposely Coaching hosting two events for women Life Purposely Coaching in Clarks Summit is hosting two events designed specifically for women in August and September 2026. The first is a free Masterclass titled “How Did I Get Here?” It will be held via Zoom on August 25th from 7:00-8:00 p.m. According to Life Purporsely owner Elizabeth Keiper, the session is for smart, capable women who feel disconnected from the lives they worked so hard to build and the steps they can take to change that course. You can register for that event by clicking here. The second event is called Life Purposely LIVE: Flourish and will take place on September 19th from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at a cafe in Factoryville. This in-person immersive experience will allow attendees to change how they experience the final months of 2026. The event is limited to 20 women. You can register for it by clicking here.
Commonwealth Health’s Moses Taylor Hospital Reopens Pharmacy, Launches Meds-to-Beds Program Moses Taylor Hospital is taking another step in its campus revitalization with the reopening of its hospital pharmacy, The Apothecary, and launch of a new Meds-to-Beds program. The program allows eligible patients to have their prescriptions filled before leaving the hospital, providing greater convenience and helping ensure they have the medications they need when they return home. “Reopening our pharmacy and launching Meds-to-Beds is another meaningful investment in our patients and our campus,” said Patrick D. Conaboy MD, CEO, Regional Hospital of Scranton. “It’s about making healthcare more convenient while continuing to build momentum for the future of Commonwealth Health’s Scranton hospitals.” The pharmacy and Meds-to-Beds program are part of a broader effort to revitalize the Moses Taylor campus, enhance the patient experience, and strengthen healthcare services for the Scranton community. The Meds-to-Beds program is available at Regional Hospital of Scranton and Moses Taylor Hospital.
Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple Announces Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE on October 13 The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple and Magic City Productions will present Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE on October 13 at 6:00 PM. The production is based on Emmy-winning Apple TV series. Grab your favorite Silly Creatures and get ready to “dance your cares away” when The Jim Henson Company’s musical, magic-filled touring live show makes its way across the United States for its second national tour. Following a successful run at the New Victory Theater in New York City this summer, this joyful, nostalgic show for fun-loving families and fans of all ages launches its 40-stop tour in September. In the first-ever stage production, Gobo, Red, Mokey, Wembley and Boober Fraggle embark on a quest to find the lost Celebration Stone – an ancient treasure with the power to unite everyone for the ultimate party. Along the way, they discover magic, adventure, and something more memorable and heartfelt than they ever imagined! Packed with comedy, dancing, and music that are hallmarks of the iconic Jim Henson Company, this family friendly live stage adventure features colorful new walkaround versions of the Fraggles, new puppet versions of their industrious friends the Doozers, a visit from a giant Gorg, and exciting original puppet creature friends – all built by the renowned Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. With plenty of fan-favorite songs and exciting visual effects, this musical stage adventure welcomes audiences on a joyful, nostalgia-filled trip to Fraggle Rock. With lots of music, laughter and imagination, it’s an unforgettable live experience that will have Silly Creatures of all ages dancing in the aisles! Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE will take place in the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre, located on the building’s first floor, with doors opening for bar and concessions at 5:00 PM. Tickets start at $44.35 (includes fees), and will be available for purchase beginning Friday, August 14 at 10 AM at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. A Pre-Show VIP Meet & Greet Experience is available for an additional fee. For more information or to view a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.
Luzerne County Community College to Host First Annual Skilled Trades Fair Luzerne County Community College is hosting its first Annual Skilled Trades Fair on Friday, September 18 from 8 AM to 2 PM in celebration of National Tradesman Day. It’s designed for local high school freshmen enrolled in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, with students on campus from 9 AM to 1 PM. Students will get guided campus tours, check out exhibitor displays, meet industry professionals, and hear a keynote from Marissa Bankert, President & CEO of Associated Builders & Contractors Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter.
