Wayne Bank makes EITC donation to Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania Wayne Bank has made a $2,000 Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC) donation to United Neighborhood Centers (UNC) of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Banking Officer and Community Office Manager Christopher Moshinskie presented the check to UNC Chief Operating Officer Terilynn Brechtel. This money from Wayne Bank will help the organization offer educational programs and services to people throughout the region. “The UNC’s mission comes down to neighbors helping neighbors, and that’s something we believe in at Wayne Bank,” said Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank. “Programs like theirs make a real difference in the lives of families across our region, and we’re glad we can support the work they’re doing every day.” Wayne Bank is a subsidiary of Norwood Financial Corp., Member FDIC, and is located in Honesdale, Pennsylvania.
Menah Pratt named regional chancellor for three local Penn State campuses Menah Pratt has been named regional chancellor for Penn State’s Hazleton, Scranton and Wilkes-Barre campuses, effective August 1. In this role, she will oversee Penn State’s northeast campuses, working closely with faculty, staff, students and community partners to support academic excellence, student success and regional engagement. Pratt previously served in executive leadership roles at Virginia Tech, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Vanderbilt University. “Menah is a highly accomplished academic leader whose career reflects a deep commitment to student success, institutional strategy and community engagement,” said Renata Engel, vice president for Commonwealth Campuses and executive chancellor. “She understands the important role Penn State’s Commonwealth Campuses play in expanding opportunity and strengthening the regions they serve. I am confident she will provide thoughtful leadership for our northeast campuses while building strong relationships across the University and throughout the community.” Most recently, at Virginia Tech, Pratt served as vice president for strategic affairs since 2016. She has led university-wide strategic planning efforts, supported enrollment and student success initiatives, and worked across academic and administrative units to guide institutional priorities and support shared governance efforts. “I am honored to join Penn State and to serve the Hazleton, Scranton and Wilkes-Barre communities,” Pratt said. “These campuses have longstanding traditions of student-centered education, community engagement and regional impact. I look forward to building on the conversations I began during the interview process and working alongside students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners to deepen and enhance the campuses’ impact throughout northeastern Pennsylvania.” Pratt holds a doctorate and a master’s degree in sociology and a law degree from Vanderbilt University, as well as a master’s degree in literary studies and a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Iowa.
Incoming Penn State Scranton student receives America250PA Semiquincentennial Scholarship A Penn State Scranton student who’s going to begin his studies this fall has been recognized at the state level. Anthony Betti is a recipient of the America250PA Semiquincentennial Scholarship. Betti is a graduating senior from Mid Valley Secondary Center. He was one of just 25 students selected from more than 1,800 applications statewide. He’s also the only recipient from Lackawanna County. “Receiving the America250PA Semiquincentennial Scholarship means more to me than I can fully express,” Betti said. “When I learned I was one of only 25 students selected from more than 1,800 applicants, it didn’t just feel like an achievement — it felt like a pivotal moment in my life.” The scholarship is just one of the ways Pennsylvania is recognizing the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. It honors students who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to serving their communities. Betti also attended a luncheon at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg, where he and other recipients met Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro.
Mechanical engineering students at Penn State Scranton conduct solar panel study for local organization Six mechanical engineering students at Penn State Scranton received experience solving a real-world issue. The Monroe County Conservation District (MCCD) in Stroudsburg was having issues with power interruptions threatening its educational programming and support services. Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Farhang Daneshmand had put out a call to organizations in the area that could provide student engineering projects, and MCCD jumped on the opportunity. “The partnership was motivated by a desire to move beyond purely hypothetical design problems and provide students with an authentic, real-world engineering experience,” Daneshmand said. “The Monroe County Conservation District presented a meaningful and timely challenge — energy reliability and resilience — which allowed students to work on a problem with clear technical, economic and community impact.” Six third-year students enrolled in Daneshmand’s ME 340: Design Methodology class – Emily Beemer, Ethan Lee, Joshua MacLunny, Clera O’Boyle, Eric Pisack and Vance Weimer – completed the project. They were all organized into specialized teams based on their backgrounds, experience and interests, and worked with MCCD to figure out if a solar energy backup system could improve power reliability. The students also consulted with industry professionals. In the end, the students helped prepare a proposal for a solar energy resilience system that could run the MCCD building during a power outage. The proposed system was also tailored to the building’s space constraints. The system isn’t being installed yet, but MCCD said it’s analyzing its budget and looking for grant opportunities to bring the project to life. Daneshmand said the project reflected the core goals of Penn State Scranton’s mechanical engineering program: combining technical theory with hands-on application.
Comcast Business Named official connectivity provider of Scranton Official Fan Zone Comcast Business announced today that it is the official connectivity provider for the City of Scranton’s upcoming summer soccer watch parties on Lackawanna County Courthouse Square. Comcast will provide connectivity for staff and vendors, as well as the live multi-screen broadcasts of matches. Comcast Business is using a network solution powered by Comcast Business Internet and Wifi Pro for the July watch parties. It will provide reliable connectivity for operations and cashless vendor transactions. Comcast Business officials say events like these are the type of environment the Comcast Business network is built for. The connectivity and video solutions are provided as an in-kind contribution from Comcast Business, which is celebrating 20 years in business. You can read more about this announcement in a press release from Comcast Business here.
Outdoor events at Mohegan Pennsylvania happening throughout the summer months Looking for fun events to attend throughout the summer months? Mohegan Pennsylvania is hosting something for everyone! Take a look at their list of events happening in the coming months to celebrate America 250: The free outdoor concert series Party on the Patio will feature Adrenalize: The Ultimate Def Lepperd Experience on Thursday, July 9th and 7 Summers: The Ultimate Morgan Wallen Tribute on Thursday, July 30th. You can find the full Party on the Patio lineup here. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for these concerts. There will also be two special trackside NEPA America 250 Concerts: Laurel Canyon Band on Friday, July 10th and Bad Co. Legacy on Friday, August 28th. Both start at 7:00 p.m. You can find information about those concerts here. Sunday Fundays are happening at the Racetrack through July 26th. There will be live acoustic performances between harness racing events. These events start at 5:00 p.m. and are for people of all ages. You can find more information about Sunday Fundays here. There will be outdoor entertainment every Friday to Sunday at Embers Terrace. DJ Tommy will play on Saturday, July 4th, followed by Social Call Duo on Friday, July 10th, The Two Taboo on Sunday, July 19th, and Jay Orrell on Friday, July 31st. You can find Mohegan Pennsylvania’s full entertainment calendar here.
Marywood University’s Accreditation Reaffirmed by Middle States Commission on Higher Education Marywood University has earned reaffirmation of its accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), a significant recognition of the University’s academic excellence, institutional effectiveness, student-centered mission, and commitment to continuous improvement. The Commission’s action, taken on June 25, 2026, follows an extensive three-year institutional self-study and a comprehensive campus evaluation conducted by a peer review team from March 22–25, 2026. Following its review, the visiting team determined that Marywood meets all seven Middle States Standards for Accreditation and recognized the University for numerous accomplishments that distinguish its educational quality and institutional leadership. Throughout its report, the evaluation team praised Marywood’s deep commitment to mission integration, transparent governance, strong financial stewardship, collaborative leadership, student-centered culture, and strategic planning. The team also recognized the University’s significant progress in institutional transformation, highlighting its commitment to innovation, accountability, and long-term sustainability while remaining firmly rooted in its Catholic identity and the mission of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Among the University’s recognized accomplishments were: Meaningful innovation in mission integration, leadership development, strategic planning, and institutional effectiveness. A deeply integrated, mission-driven culture that strengthens Marywood’s identity and competitive position in higher education. Strong, independent governance and institutional leadership focused on academic quality and fiscal stewardship. A collaborative and transparent approach to shared governance and strategic decision-making. Significant progress in financial planning, accountability, and long-term institutional sustainability. A student-centered learning environment grounded in care, engagement, and holistic development. Meaningful innovation in mission integration, leadership development, strategic planning, and institutional effectiveness. “We are incredibly proud of this reaffirmation,” said President Lisa A. Lori. “Middle States accreditation represents the highest level of institutional quality assurance, and this outcome reflects the extraordinary work of our faculty, staff, students, administrators, and Board of Trustees. The evaluation team recognized not only the strength of our academic programs, but also the remarkable transformation taking place across the University and our commitment to accountability, strategic planning, innovation, student success, and our enduring Catholic mission. This reaffirmation provides a strong foundation as we continue to build the next chapter of Marywood University’s history.” The accreditation review also acknowledged Marywood’s growing culture of evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement, while recognizing major investments in student success, academic assessment, governance, financial stewardship, and strategic planning. Alongside reaffirming accreditation, MSCHE requested a supplemental information report by August 14, 2028, documenting progress on several continuous improvement initiatives, including a comprehensive, data-informed review of Marywood’s academic programs. The visiting team recommended that the University evaluate under-enrolled programs and align its academic portfolio with student demand, workforce needs, mission, and long-term institutional sustainability. This work is part of the standard expectations placed on colleges and universities nationwide, and Marywood’s ongoing program review efforts reflect the responsible, data-informed practices that accreditors and higher education leaders agree are essential for long-term institutional resilience. The University will continue building on these strengths as it advances its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, Into the Future: Defining What’s Next, and pursues new opportunities for academic innovation, global engagement, and enrollment growth, with new innovative initiatives being announced this summer. The next Middle States Self-Study evaluation visit will occur during the 2033 to 2034 academic year.
Neighborworks, SafteyWorks For Seniors Volunteer Day NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania (NeighborWorks) will serve eight older adult-headed households with much needed exterior painting and small repairs throughout the City of Scranton as part of the SafetyWorks for Seniors volunteer day on Thursday, July 2. More than 80 volunteers will be mobilized from MTF Biologics to make this volunteer event possible. Volunteers will provide the households with exterior painting and various other home repairs.“Highmark is honored to continue our support the NeighborWorks Aging in Place program. We are deeply committed to helping older adults live safely and with dignity in their homes,” said Katie Kemmerer, Community Affairs Regional Manager, NEPA, at Highmark Blue Cross Shield, “We’re so proud to be part of this initiative, bringing vital volunteer services to [these households] in NEPA. Thank you, NeighborWorks, and allof the day’s volunteers, for your incredible work!” Highmark Bright Blue Futures and United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania have also partnered with NeighborWorks to make this event a success.
Celebrate Independence Day at the Scrantastic Spectacular & Fireworks Show Looking for a fun way to celebrate the 4th of July holiday? The Lackawanna County Courthouse is hosting the Lackawanna County Scrantastic Spectacular on July 3rd. It starts at 4:00 p.m. at the courthouse on North Washington Avenue in Scranton and is free. There will be food, games, bands, and a live performance from The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic at 7:30 p.m. A fireworks display will follow that performance. The Scrantastic Spectacular event map has a list of the best firework viewing locations. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Scranton Tomorrow, and the City of Scranton are sponsors of the event.
Ticket deal available for Alabama concert at Montage Mountain LiveNation is offering a special discount on tickets for an upcoming concert. Be sure to take advantage of the $25 ticket deal for the Alabama show on Sunday, July 12th at The Pavilion at Montage Mountain. The concert starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are available by clicking here and entering the password: friends
