Marywood to Present War of the Worlds – The Panic Broadcast as Its Fall Theatre Production Nearly 88 years after it was first broadcast in late October 1938, Marywood University’s theatre program presents War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast, a theatrical reimagining of one of the most infamous moments in American broadcasting history. Inspired by Orson Welles and the Mercury Theatre’s 1938 radio adaptation of H.G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds, the play takes audiences inside a live radio studio as actors, announcers, shadow theatre artists, and Foley artists create the terrifying story of a Martian invasion before our eyes. What begins as an evening of radio drama quickly blurs the boundary between performance and reality. As fictional news bulletins interrupt the broadcast and reports of destruction spread across the airwaves, audiences witness both the making of a radio play and the cultural panic that became inseparable from its history. Performed as a live stage-and-radio experience, Marywood’s production celebrates the artistry of old-time radio while exploring questions that remain strikingly contemporary: How do we decide what information to trust? What happens when entertainment and news become difficult to distinguish? How quickly can fear spread through a community? The production brings together vintage microphones, live sound effects, Foley work, ensemble storytelling and the visual language of a 1930s/1940s broadcast studio to recreate the excitement and immediacy of radio’s golden age. At once suspenseful, theatrical, and darkly playful, War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast invites audiences to watch a story being constructed in real time – and to consider why, nearly ninety years later, the story of the broadcast itself continues to fascinate us. Performances, which will be held at the Munley Theater in the Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts, have showtimes from October 22-24 at 7:30 p.m. each evening and a matinee-only performance on October 25 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the general public. Marywood students, faculty, staff, and IHM sisters are free. Tickets can be purchased in advance by credit card online at https://marywood.universitytickets.com or with cash at the door.
Mt. Carmel native, nationally recognized medical education innovator, named Geisinger College of Health Sciences provost Geisinger College of Health Sciences has appointed Jed David Gonzalo, M.D., MSc, a nationally recognized leader in medical education and health systems science, as its next provost. In this role, Gonzalo will oversee academic programs and strategic educational initiatives across the college, supporting its mission to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals and strengthen the region’s healthcare workforce. Dr. Gonzalo joins Geisinger College from Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, where he most recently served as senior associate dean for medical education and a tenured professor. During his tenure, he led significant efforts in curriculum transformation, faculty development and accreditation readiness. “Dr. Gonzalo brings a distinguished record of advancing innovative, mission-driven approaches to healthcare education,” said Julie Byerley, M.D., MPH, president and dean of Geisinger College of Health Sciences. “His leadership experience, national reputation and deep commitment to preparing future healthcare professionals make him an outstanding addition to our college and community.” A nationally recognized innovator in medical education, Dr. Gonzalo has helped shape the emerging field of health systems science and has collaborated with organizations including the American Medical Association to advance healthcare education and training across the country. Dr. Gonzalo’s connection to Geisinger and northeast and central Pennsylvania is longstanding. Raised in Mount Carmel, he was first introduced to healthcare through volunteer experiences at Geisinger, where he supported care teams and transported supplies as a teenager. He is also a graduate of The University of Scranton. “Geisinger College’s mission resonates deeply with me,” Dr. Gonzalo said. “I am inspired by the college’s commitment to educating healthcare professionals, retaining local talent and addressing the unique healthcare needs of the communities it serves.” At Geisinger College, Dr. Gonzalo will help advance strategic priorities focused on workforce development, interprofessional education and community impact. Dr. Gonzalo earned his medical degree from The Pennsylvania State College of Medicine and a Master of Science in medical education and clinical research from the University of Pittsburgh. He completed his internal medicine residency and chief residency at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School. He will officially join Geisinger College of Health Sciences on Oct. 5
Better Health Pharmacy takes part in Save a Life Day Better Health Pharmacy & Wellness in Olyphant took part in Save a Life Day on September 24th by handing out free Narcan to members of the community. Narcan is a life-saving nasal spray that can reverse opioid overdoses. Save a Life Day is an annual initiative that encourages people to learn how to recognize the signs of opioid overdoses and reverse them with Narcan. Communities across the country are encouraged to set up events to give away free Narcan.
SWB RailRiders, Beck and Rodríguez honored by Minor League Baseball On Saturday night, Minor League Baseball™ announced the awards and All-Star teams for the two leagues that make up the Triple-A classification in Major League Baseball’s player development system. Brendan Beck was voted International League Pitcher of the Year. Beck and Elmer Rodríguez were honored as two of the International League’s top starting pitchers. Sixteen players across the International League were selected as All-Stars, including one at each position, adesignated hitter, one utility spot, four starting pitchers and two relievers. Minor League Baseball also honorsthe Pitcher of the Year, a Most Valuable Player, a Top Prospect and the Manager of the Year in each Triple-Aleague. Beck, 27, went 10-2 with a league-best 2.93 ERA this season. In 25 starts, the right-hander paced theInternational League with 151 strikeouts, 135.1 innings pitched, a 1.06 WHIP, a .210 average against and an.833 winning percentage. Beck won the league’s Pitcher of the Week honors on three separate occasions andwas the International League’s Pitcher of the Month in June. His strikeout total was fourth-most in a singleseason in franchise history, while his ERA was fifth-best in franchise history. Beck pitched for Great Britain inthe World Baseball Classic and made his Major League debut on May 7. Rodríguez, 23, went 8-4 in 2026 with a 2.45 ERA over 21 starts for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The right-handerstruck out 105 batters over 106.1 innings pitched this season. Rodríguez pitched for Puerto Rico in the WBCand made his Major League debut on April 29. Season tickets for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s 2027 campaign are on sale now. For more information, visitswbrailriders.com
Johnson College faculty members receive Andrew Zwanch Excellence in Teaching Award Johnson College faculty members Rick Fornes and Mathew Cirba have received the Andrew Zwanch Excellence in Teaching Award for their commitment to teaching excellence, inspiring students, and fostering a positive, dynamic hands-on learning environment. Fornes, ’94, division chair, Electronic & Industrial, and program director of Electronic Engineering Technology, received the award in fall 2025. Cirba, ’09, program director and instructor of Computer Information Technology, received the award in fall 2026. As part of the recognition, award recipients serve as grand marshal of the College’s commencement ceremony, leading the processional into the ceremony and the recessional at its conclusion. Fornes served as grand marshal for Johnson College’s 107th Annual Commencement Ceremony in 2026. Cirba will serve as grand marshal for the College’s 108th Annual Commencement Ceremony on May 12, 2027. The award honors Andrew Zwanch, a 1982 Johnson College graduate who dedicated 37 years to the College as an employee, beginning in 1988. Zwanch retired in 2025. During his career at Johnson College, Zwanch taught students preparing for careers in manufacturing and machining and played an integral role in shaping the College’s hands-on approach to technical education. He also served as an academic adviser for a period. The Andrew Zwanch Excellence in Teaching Award is presented annually to a member of the Johnson College faculty who demonstrates a commitment to excellence in teaching, inspires students, and fosters a positive, dynamic learning environment.
Misericordia University to host open houses on October 24 & November 14 The college search comes with plenty of questions, but visiting campus can help students and families begin to find the answers. This fall, Misericordia University will host Open Houses on October 24 and November 14, providing prospective students and their families with an opportunity to experience campus firsthand. Open House offers more than a campus tour. Attendees can walk the campus, meet professors, speak with current students, explore academic spaces, and learn more about scholarships and financial aid while getting answers to questions that matter most during the college search. Whether students already have Misericordia University on their list or are still exploring their options, the Open House provides an opportunity to experience the campus and envision what life at MU could look like. Families and prospective students are encouraged to attend with questions and curiosity and discover whether Misericordia University could be the right fit for their college experience.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Celebrated Employees on National Tradesman Day Skilled tradespeople are an essential part of Tobyhanna Army Depot’s (TYAD) operations, using their expertise and craftsmanship to keep the installation running and support warfighter readiness. In recognition of National Tradesman Day, TYAD is highlighting the civilian professionals whose work supports missions across the depot. The Mobile Equipment Branch maintains and repairs a wide range of equipment, including law enforcement vehicles, construction equipment, forklifts, roads and grounds equipment, and the General Services Administration fleet. Mobile Equipment Branch Chief Paul DePrimo said the team’s expertise is critical to the installation. “The Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic team is the operational backbone of this installation. Managing an inventory that spans from zero-emission electric vehicles to heavy-diesel material handlers means mastering hundreds of complex systems across dozens of different types of manufactured equipment,” said DePrimo. “There is simply no repair beyond this team’s technical reach. Their skill, dedication, and adaptability ensure our installation and tenant missions stay mobile, fully mission-capable, and ready for any operational challenge.” Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic Kyle Emerson said the team takes pride in its work. “my teammates and I arrive to work each day motivated to keep the mission going. We all take a lot of pride in our work.” The Equipage and Composite Branch also provides specialized support across TYAD, working with materials including fabric, rubber, foam, carbon fiber, glass and Kevlar. The branch supports programs ranging from the M136 Volcano to Nett Warrior, the Rolling Airframe Missile Launcher and various radar systems. “The Equipage and Composite Branch currently supports multiple high visibility Volcano programs,” said Michael Wartella, a logistics management specialist in the Production Management Directorate. “The team has provided enthusiastic, exceptional support on several different types of requirements for this important program.” For employees such as Eunice Hartranft, the work requires specialized skills developed through years of experience. “What we do here is not hobby sewing,” she emphasized. “It is a highly complex process to create something from start to finish through measurement, design, prototyping, etc. There is a difference between knowing how to operate a machine and knowing how to sew,” adding that her skills were honed over many years. The dedication of these tradespeople has a direct impact on the depot’s mission and the warfighters it supports. “What we do is gratifying because it helps our warfighters,” said Fabric Worker Kimberly McNaughton. “It is nice to leave here every day knowing I accomplished something important.” TYAD’s skilled workforce supports its role as the Center of Industrial and Technical Excellence for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, electronics, avionics, and missile guidance and control. Through their expertise, tradespeople across the depot help maintain critical equipment, support emerging technologies and strengthen readiness for joint and allied forces around the world.
WVIA Wins Two Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards for Regional Storytelling WVIA received two Mid-Atlantic Regional Emmy Awards Saturday night in Philadelphia, recognizing the station’s work to preserve and share the stories and history of Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. WVIA won in the Historical/Cultural – Short Form Content category for two separate VIA Short Takes episodes: The Day Carbondale Stood Still, directed by Alexander Monelli with reporting by Kat Bolus, and The Lattimer Massacre, produced and directed by Timothy Novotney. The awards recognize WVIA’s continued commitment to exploring the people, places and events that have shaped the region and bringing those stories to audiences through compelling, locally produced programming. “We’re incredibly proud to have two very different stories about our region recognized in the same category,” said Carla McCabe, President & CEO of WVIA. “These projects reflect what WVIA does best, taking the time to uncover the stories behind the places and events that have shaped our communities and sharing them with the people who call this region home.” The Day Carbondale Stood Still explores the Carbondale UFO incident of November 9, 1974, that remains one of PA’s most debated mysteries, while The Lattimer Massacre examines the tragic 1897 confrontation between striking immigrant miners and a sheriff’s posse in Lattimer, Pennsylvania. Both productions bring important pieces of regional history to life through WVIA’s short-form storytelling series. The Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards recognize excellence in television production across the Mid-Atlantic region and celebrate the producers, directors, reporters, editors and other professionals responsible for creating outstanding television content. The two Emmy wins add to WVIA’s growing recognition for original programming that documents the history, culture and experiences of the communities it serves. 2026 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award Wins for WVIA Historical/Cultural – Short Form Content VIA Short Takes: The Day Carbondale – WVIA-TV Alexander Monelli, Director Kat Bolus, Reporter VIA Short Takes: The Lattimer Massacre – WVIA-TV Timothy Novotney, Producer/Director
University of Scranton, Historic 25th U.S. Conference on Disability Set for October 7 The University of Scranton’s U.S. Conference on Disability will celebrate a major milestone on Wednesday, Oct. 7, commemorating a quarter-century of advocacy, education and leadership dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. This year’s conference theme, “25 Years of Progress: Honoring the Legacy of Edward R. Leahy, Jr.,” will focus on disability inclusion and careers, as well as transforming barriers into opportunities. Founded through the generosity and vision of Edward and Patricia Leahy and inspired by their son, Edward R. Leahy, Jr., the conference has become one of the nation’s longest-running university-based forums on disability issues. The conference has created a space where educators, health care professionals, policymakers, students, families and advocates can share ideas and research to better the lives of individuals with disabilities. Among those who will speak at the event, hosted on campus at the DeNaples Center, are: 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. — Former U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, who currently serves The University of Scranton as its Leahy Distinguished Fellow in Public Service. 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. — Mason Ameri, Ph.D., professor of professional practice at Rutgers University. 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. — Kerry Magro, Ed.D., best-selling author and speaker. 1 to 2:30 p.m. — Kathy West-Evans and John Evans, founders of Abilities United Consulting. 3 to 4:30 p.m. — Rebecca Alexander, award-winning author and disability rights advocate. The daylong event begins with registration and a continental breakfast from 7:45 to 8:30 a.m. and concludes at about 4:30 p.m. It is presented by The University of Scranton, the Leahy College of Health Sciences and the Edward R. Leahy, Jr., Endowment. For more information, visit the conference’s webpage.
Chase Bank hosting free workshop about credit Chase Bank is hosting a free workshop about the basics of credit and credit scores called Smart Credit Habits: Practical Tools to Grow on October 20 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. The workshop will be at the Chase Scranton Branch at 203 North Washington Avenue in Scranton. It is open to everyone. Attendees will learn what credit is and why it matters, how to check their credit score and reports, how to get started building credit and how to protect their credit. Those who can’t attend in person will be able to join via Zoom by clicking here. The Zoom webinar ID is 91941756415, and the webinar passcode is 640867. You can RSVP for the in-person event by clicking here.
