Friends of the Poor and Catherine McAuley Center Expanding Emergency Assistance Programs Friends of the Poor and Catherine McAuley Center (FOTP/CMC) announced a major expansion of its emergency assistance programs, made possible by a $320,000 state Local Share Account (LSA) grant and generous support from CANPACK and a group of benefactors who wish to remain anonymous. The LSA Statewide grant, awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority and submitted in partnership with Lackawanna County, will fund the purchase of a new 20-foot mobile food pantry vehicle. The award was announced Monday by State Senator Marty Flynn as part of more than $7.6 million in LSA funding for projects across Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. The new vehicle will allow FOTP/CMC to bring fresh, nutritious food directly into neighborhoods where transportation is a barrier to accessing the agency’s food pantries, expanding the reach of a mobile pantry program that already serves thousands of households across the region each year. “Food insecurity does not wait for people to find a ride,” said Meghan Loftus, DPA, President and CEO of Friends of the Poor and CatherineMcAuley Center. “This grant allows us to meet our neighbors where they are, with dignity, in the neighborhoods where the need is greatest. We are deeply grateful to our state legislators, our partners at Lackawanna County, and the Commonwealth Financing Authority for investing in this work.” The LSA program is funded through gaming revenues and supports projects that improve the quality of life in communities across Pennsylvania. FOTP/CMC also thanks the members of LackawannaCounty’s delegation in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives who advocated for projects throughout the region, including Representatives Kyle J. Mullins (112th Legislative District), Kyle T. Donahue (113th Legislative District), Bridget M. Kosierowski (114th Legislative District), and James Haddock (118th Legislative District). In addition to the mobile pantry expansion, FOTP/CMC announced it is currently renovating their new location that will ultimately centralize food, furniture, and clothing programs under one roof for the first time. The consolidated site made possible through a generous sponsorship from CANPACK and a gift from a group of anonymous donors, will allow families to access groceries, household furnishings, and clothing in a single visit rather than traveling to multiple sites across the region. Additional details about the location and opening timeline will be announced in the comingmonths. “When a family is in crisis, the last thing they should have to do is navigate a maze of addresses and hours,” Loftus added. “Bringing our emergency assistance programs together in one place removes those unnecessary barriers and treats people the way they deserve to be treated.” “These two projects in particular have been dreams of mine since my earliest days with this agency in 2017,” Loftus said. “A mobile pantry built specifically for those in underserved and rural areas and a single, welcoming home for our food, furniture, and clothing programs are the kind of investments that change what is possible for the families we serve. I am incredibly thrilled to see them coming to fruition, and I know they will serve this community for many years to come. This expansion is the result of work by our staff, our volunteers, our board, and our partners, and it is atestament to what this community can accomplish together.”
WVIA to Present Live Debate for Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District on October 29 WVIA is proud to announce it will produce a live broadcast of the debate for Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District on Thursday, October 29 at 7 PM ET. This event, taking place at WVIA public media studios in Pittston, will feature incumbent Congressman Robert Bresnahan (R) and Paige Cognetti (D). They will discuss critical issues affecting our region and the nation. The debate will air live on WVIA-TV and also be simulcast live on WVIA Radio and live streamed on WVIA’s YouTube channel and at wvia.org. The producer and moderator of the debate will be WVIA’s Tracey Matisak. As the election approaches, this debate provides a crucial platform for both candidates to present their positions on issues including healthcare, the economy, infrastructure, and environmental policy. To attend the live debate, register to secure your spot here. Additional information on Robert Bresnahan can be found here, and Paige Cognetti can be found here. Find more details about the debate from WVIA News here. WVIA News coverage of district 8 can be found here. WVIA Radio can be found at 89.9 FM in northeastern PA, 99.3 FM in Allentown, 105.7 FM in Bethlehem, 90.3 FM in Clarks Summit, 100.1 FM (WVBU) in Lewisburg, 89.7 FM (WVYA) in Williamsport, 89.3 FM in south central PA, 88.3 FM in Mainesburg, 91.5 FM (WPAU) in the Pocono Mountains Lake region, 94.9 FM in Pottsville, 97.5 FM in Selinsgrove, 94.3 FM in Stroudsburg/East Stroudsburg, 105.7 FM in Sunbury, and 103.5 FM in Wellsboro. WVIA Radio can also be heard via an online stream at http://www.wvia.org/radio/listen-live/.
PennDOT Honors Star of Excellence Recipients At a ceremony today,Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carrollrecognized 30 PennDOT employees for their outstanding performance with the Star of Excellence Award, PennDOT’s highest recognition. Two employees from PennDOT’s District 4 whichrepresents Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming countieswere among the honorees. Our employees work hard to provide the very best transportation services to Pennsylvanians, and the millions of people who travel through the Commonwealth every day,” saidCarroll. “Our Stars of Excellence exemplify a dedication to public service and a strong work ethic, and I’m proud to honor them today.” Local winners, Mitch Simon and Steve Kofira were honored this afternoon at an awards luncheon at the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg. “Mitch and Steve are both exceptional members of the District 4 team,” saidJonathan A. Eboli, District Executive for PennDOT Engineering District 4. “They are highly respected throughout the district and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their roles. Their commitment to mentoring and developing employees, along with their willingness to share their expertise, has a lasting impact on those around them. We are proud to have Mitch and Steve as members of our team.” Mitch Simon, County Maintenance Manager Mitch Simon exemplifies dedication, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to operational excellence. As Highway Maintenance Manager, he consistently exceeds expectations by advancing safety, fostering innovation, strengthening communication, and developing the next generation of leaders. His efforts directly contribute to exceptional service for the traveling public and the continued success of Wayne County and District 4. Mitch’s leadership style is built on collaboration, trust, and accountability. He actively involves his Assistant Maintenance Managers in decision-making, encourages open communication, and empowers his team to take ownership of their responsibilities Equally impressive is Mitch’s commitment to employee development. He intentionally creates opportunities for professional growth by assigning stretch projects, including staff in leadership meetings, mentoring future leaders, and recognizing individual accomplishments. The professional advancement of numerous employees within Wayne County is a direct reflection of his investment in their success and his ability to inspire excellence. Mitch Simon’s dedication to safety, operational excellence, and the development of others exemplifies the highest standards of leadership and makes him exceptionally deserving of recognition. Stephen Kofira, Civil Engineer Manager Stephen Kofira serves as the District 4 Structure Control Engineer in the Construction Unit and is a highly respected, trusted, and invaluable member of the District 4 team. He consistently goes above and beyond in support of the department’s mission by providing technical expertise and fostering collaboration across the Construction, Design, and Maintenance units. Steve is known for his exceptional communication and responsiveness. He maintains a thorough understanding of project status and priorities, allowing him to quickly adjust his schedule and provide timely support wherever it is needed, often with little advance notice. His flexibility and commitment ensure projects continue to move forward efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of quality. One of Steve’s greatest strengths is his collaborative approach to problem-solving. Rather than allowing issues to become obstacles, he proactively brings together representatives from Design, Construction, and contracting partners to discuss project challenges, identify practical solutions, and improve project delivery. Steve’s professionalism, collaborative leadership, and dedication to delivering high-quality transportation projects make him an exceptional representative of District 4. His continued commitment to excellence and service makes him highly deserving of recognition. The Star of Excellence Awards are presented annually to employees who represent the department’s values of service, performance and integrity. The recipients represent a variety of organizational positions, spanning from highway maintenance and driver and vehicle services workers, to traffic control specialists, engineers and mor
The Frolic: UNC Celebrates 20 Years of a Scranton Fundraising Tradition What began on a freezing February night at the historic Lackawanna Train Station in 2005 has grown into a Scranton fundraising tradition that continues more than two decades later. This fall, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) will celebrate 20 years since the first Chocoholic Frolic when it presents The Frolic: Harvest at the Hilton presented by PNC on Thursday, October 1, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center. The story of The Frolic begins with SCOLA (Scranton Council for Literacy Advance) and Nancy Dressel, the organization’s development director who was charged with developing a fundraiser. The result was the first Chocoholic Frolic in 2006. Dressel recently recalled an inaugural event that was memorable for more than the food. Freezing rain made for terrible weather, but the community still turned out. Inside the former Lackawanna Train Station, vendors lined the room as guests sampled creations from area restaurants, bakeries and other food businesses. The response was greater than organizers anticipated. Dressel remembers a huge circular line of guests winding through the event to taste the many locally made chocolate creations. The event quickly became a success and eventually outgrew the Train Station, moving to the Hilton as attendance continued to grow. Despite its name, Dressel said the vision for the Chocoholic Frolic was never limited to chocolate desserts. Restaurants were encouraged to experiment, incorporating chocolate into unexpected dishes and savory foods like cocoa-rubbed meats and other creative combinations. That spirit of culinary experimentation helped turn the Frolic into an anticipated community event. When SCOLA later became part of United Neighborhood Centers, UNC continued the fundraiser and the tradition that came with it. Over the years, the event evolved beyond its chocolate theme into a broader celebration of the region’s food and beverage community. “The Frolic continues to honor the spirit of the original event SCOLA created; bringing people together for a great experience while supporting important work in our community,” said Lisa Durkin, President and CEO of United Neighborhood Centers. “The adult literacy and English language programs that SCOLA championed not only continue at UNC but have grown to serve an increasingly diverse community. It’s meaningful that, more than 20 years later, The Frolic is still bringing people together and helping make that work possible.” This year’s participating restaurants include Abbiocco, A’tera 519, Alter Bar Scranton, B&G Winery, Barbour’s Bakery, Café Rinaldi, Coffee Inclusive, Colarusso’s Coal Fired Pizza & Colarusso’s Pasta Fresca, Cooper’s Seafood House, Gertrude Hawk Chocolates, Groove Brewing, Harvest Seasonal Grill, Hilton Scranton & Conference Center, Lucchi Family Wine Cellars, Lynn Sandy’s Bakery, Maximum Zen, Peanut Bar & Cashew Lounge, Stirna’s Restaurant, Sweet Tooth by Chocolate Creations, Warney Cellar and Tap, and more. Guests can move throughout the event sampling food, desserts, wine, beer and other beverages while enjoying live music, raffles and an evening designed for mingling and discovering local favorites. Jeremy Lewan of WNEP will serve as emcee for the evening, with live music by Michelle McGrath and Eric Dixon. The event is presented by PNC, with additional support from Gold Sponsors Knowles Insurance, the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund and Geisinger; Silver Sponsor Alliance Wealth Advisors; Bronze Sponsors Comcast, Fastenal, Highmark, the Honesdale National Bank, and more. Proceeds benefit United Neighborhood Centers, which serves more than 11,000 individuals and families throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania each year. UNC programs include food and housing assistance, childcare and youth programming, adult education and English language learning, workforce development, services for older adults, community health initiatives and neighborhood revitalization. The connection to the original SCOLA fundraiser also remains. Adult education and English language learning—the programs the original Chocoholic Frolic was created to support—continue today as part of UNC’s work. From a packed Train Station on a freezing night in 2005 to more than 20 food and beverage partners gathering at the Hilton in 2026, The Frolic has continued to evolve while maintaining the idea at its heart: bringing the community together around great food while supporting its neighbors. UNC’s 18th Annual Frolic: Harvest at the Hilton presented by PNC will be held Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center. Tickets are $50 and include tastings from participating food and beverage partners. Tickets and additional information are available through United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
The Board of Ambassadors Announce 2026 Tribute to Courage Honoree for Spirit of Hope Celebration The Board of Ambassadors will honor Honorable Thomas Munley as the 2026 Tribute to Courage Honoree at their upcoming Spirit of Hope Celebration set for Friday, November 6, 2026, at Mohegan Pennsylvania. Honorable Thomas Munley is a retired Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Lackawanna County. Prior to his election, Judge Munley spent more than 30 years as a practicing attorney in northeastern Pennsylvania. He is a proud veteran of the United States Army and served in Vietnam. Judge Munley is proudest of his three sons, John, Thomas and Logan. He resides in northeastern Pennsylvania with his wife, Jodean. Judge Munley is a cancer survivor.
WVIA Earns Four NETA Public Media Awards, Including Excellence in Education WVIA has earned four honors in the 58th Annual NETA Public Media Awards, including the award for Excellence in Education. Presented by the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA), the awards recognize outstanding work in education, community engagement, marketing and communications, and content. WVIA was recognized in the following categories: ● Excellence in Education ● Education – Learning Events: Youth Voices ● Marketing & Communications – Integrated Media Campaign: Making NEPA Home ● Content – Topical Feature: Making NEPA Home The Excellence in Education award recognizes the broad reach and impact of WVIA Education, which supports students, teachers and families throughout Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. In 2025, the team distributed more than 1,900 educational resources and engaged nearly 6,000 teachers, students and caregivers through 92 in-person sessions. Partnerships with area school districts extended WVIA Education’s reach to more than 106,000 students across the region. Among the programs recognized is Youth Voices, which was honored for its community engagement work. The initiative gives students the opportunity to develop media and storytelling skills while creating content that reflects their experiences and perspectives. In 2025, 100% of 246 student participants reported positive outcomes. WVIA’s original documentary Making NEPA Home earned two awards for its content and integrated marketing campaign. Produced as part of WVIA’s We Stand Against Hate initiative, the documentary tells the stories of refugees and immigrants who have built new lives in Northeastern Pennsylvania, exploring themes of resilience, belonging and community. “These awards are a tremendous reflection of the creativity, dedication and community focus that define WVIA,” said Carla McCabe, WVIA President & CEO. “From empowering young people to tell their own stories to helping our region better understand the experiences of our neighbors, this work demonstrates the many ways public media can educate, connect and inspire. We are especially proud of the Excellence in Education honor and grateful to the educators, students, families and community partners who make this work possible.” Vicki Austin, WVIA’s Chief Development and Education Officer, said the recognition underscores the importance of WVIA’s core educational mission. “Our education team works every day to connect students, educators and families with opportunities and resources that can make a meaningful difference,” Vicki Austin said. “These awards celebrate that work and the many partners who help us reach communities throughout the region.” The NETA Public Media Awards recognize exceptional work by public media stations in education, community engagement, marketing and communications, and content. Stations compete within divisions based on station size, with awards judged by experts from within the public media system and professionals working outside public media. The awards were announced September 14, 2026.
Johnson College Receives Grant from Fastenal to Support Girls on Fire Events Johnson College received a $5,000 grant from the Fastenal BK5K Youth Fund Committee to support the College’s Girls on Fire events. Girls on Fire is a unique one-day STEM event designed for 6-9th grade students to explore career opportunities in non-traditional STEM fields. The event is an integral part of the College’s Women in Industry Initiative and is held in conjunction with International Women’s Day. The Girls on Fire event includes tours of Johnson College’s campuses, presentations about industry experiences from women working in non-traditional STEM fields, and hands-on activities related to many of the programs offered at the College. Fastenal’s support helps Johnson College continue its mission to inspire young women to pursue rewarding careers in STEM and the trades. By connecting students with real-world experiences and industry professionals, the College aims to break down barriers and empower the next generation of women in technical fields. The BK5K, a 5-kilometer road race and walk, is held to honor Bob Kierlin, founder of Fastenal Company and lifelong supporter of youth programs. All proceeds support local youth organizations/programs that demonstrate financial need, where races are held. Learn more at https://www.bk5k.com/.
Attend The Frolic – Harvest at the Hilton to support United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA (UNC) will host The Frolic-Harvest at the Hilton on Thursday, Oct. 1, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center. The 21+ event will bring the community together for an evening of food, drinks, entertainment and support for UNC’s programs and services. Guests can enjoy more than 20 tastings from a variety of local bars, businesses and bakeries, along with live music from Michelle Conaboy McGrath. WNEP’s Jeremy Lewan will serve as emcee, and attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in raffle prizes throughout the evening. Tickets are $50 per person. Proceeds will support United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA and its programs and services that benefit individuals and families throughout the community. Tickets can be purchased by scanning the event QR code, visiting www.uncnepa.org/frolic-2026/ or calling 272-228-1371.
Wayne Bank Expands Leadership Responsibilities for Greater Scranton Market Wayne Bank has announced an expansion of Executive Vice President and Market Executive Joseph (“Joe”) J. Mahon’s leadership responsibilities to include the Greater Scranton market, in addition to the New York territories he currently oversees. Mahon will continue to lead commercial lending and deposit growth initiatives while expanding his work with customers, businesses and community organizations throughout the Greater Scranton region. In his expanded role, he will support Wayne Bank’s strategic growth initiatives and help strengthen the bank’s presence across Northeastern Pennsylvania and New York. “Joe has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, strategic vision, and a commitment to building strong relationships throughout the communities we serve,” said Donnelly. “His proven success in commercial banking, business development, and team leadership has helped drive growth across our New York markets. Expanding his responsibilities into the Greater Scranton region positions us well for continued success and strengthens our ability to serve customers throughout our footprint.” Mahon earned a Master of Business Administration from Binghamton University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Villanova University. He also serves on the boards of the Boys & Girls Club of Binghamton and the Boys & Girls Clubs Foundation of Binghamton.
Geisinger to host free dinners to honor military veterans To thank local military veterans for their service, Geisinger will host free drive-through appreciation dinners at 12 locations across the health system’s service area on Thursday, November 5, from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. Servings are limited, and those interested are encouraged to sign up now. Local veterans can make a reservation for themselves and one guest by visiting go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner2026 or calling 570-293-7200. The registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 30. Locations are: Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital: 549 Fair St. (use main entrance) Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital: 4200 Hospital Road, Coal Township Geisinger Multi-Specialty Clinic, Danville: 35 Justin Drive Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital: 1020 Thompson St. Geisinger Lewistown Hospital: 400 Highland Ave. (3rd floor hospital entrance) Geisinger Mifflintown: 27 CJEMS Lane Geisinger Mount Pocono: 126 Market Way Geisinger Medical Center Muncy: 255 Route 220 Geisinger Healthplex CenterPoint, Pittston: 1201 Oak St. Nay Aug Park, Scranton: 500 Arthur Ave. Geisinger Healthplex State College:132 Abigail Lane, Port Matilda (serving 4 to 5:30 p.m.) Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre: 50 Roosevelt Terrace (behind the hospital)
