WVIA News wins six Professional Keystone Media Awards WVIA News won six Professional Keystone Media Awards from the Pennsylvania Newsmedia Association (PNA) for its 2025 journalism. The honorees are: ● Sarah Hofius Hall — First Place, Sports Beat Reporting, Beyond the Scoreboard● Borys Krawczeniuk — Honorable mention, News Beat Reporting, politics and gov’t● Lydia McFarlane — Honorable mention, Feature Story, Clarks Summit memory cafe● Haley O’Brien — 2nd place, lifestyle & entertainment beat, 1st & 2nd for features videos “When we made the commitment to expand local journalism, we did so because we believed our communities deserved trusted, in-depth reporting that informs, connects, and serves the public. We never imagined our newsroom would achieve so much in such a short time,” WVIA President & CEO Carla McCabe said. “These awards are a reflection of the dedication of our journalists and the power of public media to tell the stories that matter to the communities we serve.” The Harrisburg-based PNA organizes the annual awards contest to recognize “journalism that consistently provides relevance, integrity, and initiative in serving readers and audiences, and faithfully fulfills its First Amendment rights/responsibilities.” The awards will be presented October 8 at the Keystone Media Awards Luncheon in Harrisburg.
Marywood University receives $11,000 EITC donation Marywood University has received an $11,000 Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donation, which will support the University’s Momentum Program. The contribution will help expand opportunities for high school students who participate in the dual enrollment program. It allows juniors and seniors to earn college credits while completing their high school graduation requirements. “Marywood University is grateful to Pagnotti Enterprises, Inc. for their generous support of the Momentum Program and their commitment to expanding access to educational opportunities for local students,” said Lisa A. Lori, J.D., President. “Partnerships like this help empower the next generation of learners by providing meaningful experiences that prepare them for future academic and professional success.” Momentum offers a variety of college-level courses during the summer, fall and spring semesters. Students enrolled in the program experience the same curriculum, instructional materials and academic expectations as Marywood University students.
Electric City Improv Launches ECI TeamWorks, Bringing Improv-Based Professional Development to NEPA Businesses Electric City Improv is expanding beyond the stage with the launch of ECI TeamWorks, a new professional development program that helps businesses and organizations strengthen communication, collaboration, leadership, and workplace culture through theprinciples of improvisation. Designed for companies of all sizes, ECI TeamWorks transforms the techniques used by successful improv ensembles into practical workplace skills. Through interactive, hands-on workshops, participants develop stronger listening skills, become more adaptable, communicate more effectively, and learn how to work together with greater confidence and trust. Unlike traditional lectures, ECI TeamWorks emphasizes learning by doing. Every workshop is customized to the organization’s goals, creating an engaging experience that is both enjoyable and immediately applicable in the workplace. The program focuses on helping teams improvecommunication, embrace change, solve problems collaboratively, strengthen leadership, and build a culture where every employee can contribute at their highest level. The ECI approach applies the core principles of improv to help your team support one another, build on each other’s ideas, and recognize the unique strengths each person brings. Workshops are available for businesses, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, educational institutions, government agencies, and professional associations throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. Programs can be delivered on-site or at Electric City Improv and are tailored for staff meetings, leadership retreats, conferences, and ongoing professional development. As a member of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Electric City Improv is excited to introduce ECI TeamWorks to the regional business community and looks forward to partnering with local organizations to help their teams communicate more effectively, collaborate moresuccessfully, and lead with confidence. To learn more about ECI TeamWorks or schedule a workshop, visit https://www.theelectriccityimprov.com/teamworks or contact Electric City Improv through its website.
Johnson College to Host Barn Quilting Workshop Johnson College will host a Barn Quilting Workshop on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its Scranton campus. Registration is now open, and participants can register online at johnson.edu/workshops. During the workshop, participants will create a 12-inch-by-12-inch hand-painted barn quilt. Inspired by traditional quilt block patterns, barn quilts have become a popular form of outdoor art and are featured along local barn quilt trails throughout the country. Participants will select their own pattern and colors to create a unique piece. Instead of stitching fabric, attendees will use paint to bring their chosen quilt block design to life. All materials will be provided, but participants are asked to bring a hair dryer to assist with the painting process. Each participant will leave with a completed barn quilt ready to display at their home, porch or shed. The cost to attend the workshop is $75 per person. The workshop is part of Johnson College’s WAVE (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education) Workshop Series, which offers hands-on learning opportunities designed to help community members develop new skills and explore creative interests.
Greenlight Networks Expands with FastBridge Fiber Acquisition Greenlight Networks has completed its acquisition of FastBridge Fiber, a Reading, Pennsylvania-based fiber internet provider, further expanding its presence across Pennsylvania and New York. The acquisition supports the company’s continued growth throughout the Northeast, with a particular focus on communities in Northeast and South-Central Pennsylvania, as well as Western New York. The addition of FastBridge Fiber expands Greenlight’s service area to include more than 65,000 additional household passings across communities including Buffalo, New York, and Pennsylvania locations such as Berks County, Bloomsburg, Danville, Williamsport, Erie and Hazleton. The company expects to add tens of thousands more household passings by the end of the year as construction projects continue. “We are pleased to see the continued growth and investment in the fiber network for our businesses and residents being brought through the acquisition of FastBridge Fiber by Greenlight Networks. This will further enhance the connectivity in our community providing additional resources that Greenlight Networks will be bringing to our market,” said Jason Fink, President/CEO of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce. “With our recently announced joint venture with T-Mobile and last year’s acquisition of Loop Internet, this marks yet another major step in Greenlight’s evolution as a leading fiber provider in the Northeast,” said Greenlight CEO Mark Murphy. “Through the addition of the FastBridge team’s deep, local roots to our existing efforts in Pennsylvania, we are accelerating expansion into new markets across the state, while further strengthening our footprint in Buffalo, New York.” The acquisition also strengthens Greenlight’s workforce, adding 120 FastBridge employees to the company’s existing team of 250 employees. In addition to expanding its operational hub in Buffalo, Greenlight will establish new operational hubs in Wyomissing, Williamsport and Robesonia. Greenlight currently serves more than 320,000 households and businesses across New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland and continues to invest in expanding high-speed fiber internet throughout the region. Earlier this year, the company also announced a $62 million expansion into Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley. Its fiber network provides symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 8 Gbps with no data caps, contracts or hidden fees. To learn more about Greenlight Networks, visit GreenlightNetworks.com.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Expands Drone Manufacturing Capabilities Tobyhanna Army Depot celebrated the expansion of its advanced manufacturing capabilities with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 30 to officially launch its new brushless DC motor assembly line. The new production capability will provide rapid, on-demand support for the joint force while strengthening domestic manufacturing of critical components for small uncrewed aircraft systems. The new assembly line establishes a scalable, U.S.-based production capability designed to enhance Department of War supply chain resilience and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. The initiative aligns with the Army and Department of War’s ongoing transformation efforts to modernize uncrewed aircraft systems and strengthen operational readiness. The ceremony was hosted by Lt. Gen. Christopher O. Mohan, commanding general of Army Materiel Command, and included Maj. Gen. James D. Turinetti IV, commanding general of the Communications-Electronics Command, along with depot leadership, distinguished guests and members of the Tobyhanna workforce. “This is another testament to what our organic industrial base can do when given they’re given the proper guidance, the proper resources and a timeline,” Mohan said, adding that Tobyhanna consistently exceeds expectations. “This is our most modern depot, and Team Tobyhanna is our most aggressive and forward-thinking workforce,” he said. “From me to you, we can’t do this without you and thank you. This is for you and for our nation. There are many more things like this that are going to happen right here in Pennsylvania.” The new capability builds on Tobyhanna’s growing expertise in unmanned aircraft systems. After completing its first delivery of first-person-view small unmanned aircraft systems in 2025, the depot continues to expand its role in supporting Department of War UAS programs. Tobyhanna has also supported the MQ-9 Reaper program since the 2010s through public-private partnerships with L3Harris and General Atomics. Depot officials estimate the new production facility has the capacity to manufacture more than 500,000 brushless DC motors annually. As the Department of War’s Center of Industrial and Technical Excellence for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR), electronics, avionics, and missile guidance and control, Tobyhanna Army Depot continues to expand its capabilities to support mission readiness through advanced manufacturing, systems integration, engineering and field support.
Allied Services Work Services Program Creates Opportunities for Local Workforce For more than 60 years, Allied Services Integrated Health System has helped individuals with disabilities build meaningful careers while supporting businesses across Northeastern Pennsylvania. Through its Vocational Services Division’s Work Services Program, more than 500 individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities receive vocational training, paid employment opportunities, and hands-on workplace experience each year. Since 1959, the program has provided individualized support, structured training, and employment opportunities designed to help participants develop workplace skills, build confidence, and achieve greater independence. Operating vocational centers in Scranton and at Burnley Employment & Rehabilitation Services in Stroudsburg, the program prepares individuals for success through job training, communication and social skills development, and functional life skills. “Our goal is to provide opportunities that help individuals discover their abilities, build confidence, and achieve their personal employment goals,” said Erin Yesalavage, Director of Vocational Services in Scranton. “Many individuals transition into competitive employment within the community, while others choose to continue working in our workshops where they’ve built lasting friendships and become part of a supportive workplace family.” For participants, the program offers more than employment. It provides opportunities to gain financial independence, develop valuable skills, and make meaningful contributions to businesses throughout the region. “Watching someone transform as they gain new skills and confidence is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do,” Yesalavage said. “Over time, they truly flourish and realize just how much they’re capable of accomplishing.” The Work Services Program has also built long-standing partnerships with regional employers, including Dempsey Uniform & Linen Supply in Jessup. For more than 15 years, participants have refurbished thousands of the company’s metal garment hangers each month, helping support Dempsey’s daily operations through reliable, high-quality work. “This partnership has become an integral part of our business operations,” said Aaron Gilchrist, Operations Director at Dempsey Uniform & Linen Supply. “It’s something we depend on every day because we know we can count on Allied Services to consistently deliver high-quality work. It truly operates like a well-oiled machine.” “Our organizations both believe in creating meaningful employment opportunities within our communities,” added Michelle McGough, Executive Director of Human Resources at Dempsey Uniform & Linen Supply. “Partnering with Allied Services allows us to support individuals with disabilities while receiving dependable, quality work that benefits our business.” In addition to Dempsey, the Work Services Program partners with businesses across Northeastern Pennsylvania to provide manufacturing, packaging, assembly, and janitorial services. These collaborations create meaningful employment opportunities while providing companies with dependable production support. “To me, Work Services is really about people,” said Rob Romagnolo, Director of Operations at Burnley Employment & Rehabilitation Services. “The products we make are important, but what stays with you is seeing someone gain confidence, master new skills, and realize they’re contributing to something bigger than themselves. Every day we create opportunities for people to learn, grow, and take pride in their work while also providing reliable service to our business partners.” Allied Services continues to seek new partnerships with businesses throughout the region. Each new collaboration creates additional opportunities for individuals with disabilities to gain valuable work experience, develop lifelong skills, and achieve greater independence while providing local employers with dependable, quality services. To learn more about the Allied Services Work Services Program, visit allied-services.org/services/community-services/vocational-services/.
New Mural Celebrates Partnership Rooted in Community Health Officials from Scranton Counseling Center and The Wright Center for Community Health celebrated the completion of a vibrant new mural by Allison LaRussa, The Wright Center’s associate vice president of health and wellness. The artwork commemorates the partnership between the two organizations, which began in 2021 when The Wright Center opened a community health center inside Scranton Counseling Center to provide high-quality, whole-person primary and preventive health services for patients of all ages. Featuring a tree with interconnected roots, the mural symbolizes the strength of community, collaboration, and the shared commitment to supporting mental and physical well-being. Staff members from both organizations helped bring the project to life by adding their handprints, creating a lasting tribute to their partnership and the people they serve. Participating in the dedication, from left, are Douglas A. Hein, director of development at Scranton Counseling Center; Jerry Musheno, chair, Scranton Counseling Center Board of Directors; Renee Zehel, chief philanthropy officer and vice president of grants and strategic initiatives at The Wright Center; Dr. Sarah Wodder, president and CEO, Scranton Counseling Center; Kara Seitzinger, director of public affairs and advisor liaison to the president and CEO at The Wright Center; Margaret McNulty, immediate past chair, Scranton Counseling Center Board of Directors; and Allison LaRussa, associate vice president of health and wellness at The Wright Center. For more information about The Wright Center for Community Health, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
Hinerfeld announces sale of former Marjol Battery Site Hinerfeld Commercial Real Estate has announced the sale of the 101-acre property in Throop, formerly known as the Marjol Battery Federal Superfund Site. The property was once a contaminated industrial property, but has been transformed into land that can be used for future residential development. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection oversaw an environmental cleanup of the property. The land is now expected to be developed into a residential community with new housing opportunities and preserved green space. The buyer, Pine Tree Properties 1 LLC, was represented by Colin L. Keefer of Hinerfeld Commercial Real Estate.
Urban Co-Works Scranton invites professionals to First Friday Free Coworking event Urban Co-Works in Scranton is hosting a First Friday Free Coworking event at its co-working space on the 3rd floor of 116 North Washington Avenue. The event will be on Friday, August 7 from 9 am to 5 pm. Those who attend will be able to get work done in a distraction-free environment while networking with other professionals. All are welcome at this event, including freelancers, entrepreneurs and remote workers. You can reserve a spot for this event by clicking here.
