NeighborWorks NEPA, Beautiful Blocks Program Open for Applications in Pittston, Carbondale, Scranton Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 cycle of Beautiful Blocks, a home improvement program jointly sponsored by NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania and the City of Scranton, City of Pittston, and City of Carbondale. Beautiful Blocks provides matching grants of up to $1,000 per property to groups of five or more residents in participating communities to help them make exterior improvements to their homes. The Beautiful Blocks program seeks to make neighborhoods throughout Scranton, Pittston, and Carbondale more attractive places to live. Eligible exterior improvements include everything from landscaping and painting to larger projects like sidewalks, front porch repair, door and window replacement, and more! For the 2026 program cycle, residents in all three participating cities are eligible for an enhanced grant award for sidewalk projects that provides up to $2,000 per property in total funding towards replacement or significant repair of front sidewalks. Grants will be awarded through a competitive application process. Applications will be judged on the number of participating residents, project impact and coordination, and the likelihood of neighbors continuing to work together in the future. Pre-applications are being accepted until Monday, March 30. Awards will be announced in May, with work taking place throughout the summer and fall months. “We’re very excited to launch the eighth year of Beautiful Blocks in 2026,” said NeighborWorks’ President & CEO, Shane Powers. “Once again, we are pleased to offer this program to residents residing in the Cities of Carbondale, Pittston, and Scranton. Based on the tremendous success of the sidewalk repairs initiative, we are excited to offer the increased grant amount for sidewalks again this year to all three communities. Improvements to sidewalks and to the exterior of homes across the community support vibrant and safe neighborhoods.” The 2025 Beautiful Blocks cycle saw a total of $143,116.68 awarded to 130 completed projects in Scranton, a total of $69,522.27 awarded to 60 completed projects in Carbondale, and a total of $45,419.07 awarded to 46 completed projects in Pittston. Over the first seven cycles of Beautiful Blocks in the City of Scranton, the first five Beautiful Blocks cycles in the City of Carbondale, and the first two cycles of the program in the City of Pittston, more than 950 individual projects have been completed by participating residents, grouped into more than 130 block groups. More than $1 million in grant funding has been distributed as part of these projects, with participating residents contributing more than $2 million in matching funds to improving their neighborhoods. For residents in participating cities who are interested in applying for the 2026 program cycle, public information sessions will be held in each community this month: Carbondale: Monday, February 23, 6:00 p.m., Carbondale Public Library (Community Room) Pittston: Wednesday, February 25, 6:00 p.m., Pittston Memorial Library (John P. Cosgrove Center) Scranton: Thursday, February 26, 6:00 p.m., Scranton Public Library (Henkelman Room) “The city was thrilled to partner with NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania in 2025 to complete 46 Beautiful Blocks projects,” Pittston Mayor Michael Lombardo said of his city’s second Beautiful Blocks cycle. “The results speak for themselves and this partnership is another opportunity for the city to advance the revitalization process in our neighborhoods. We look forward to a continued productive partnership with NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania for the 2026 cycle.” “The Beautiful Block Program exemplifies what we can accomplish in Carbondale when residents, the City, and our valued partner NeighborWorks NEPA come together with a shared vision for thriving neighborhoods,” Carbondale Mayor Michele Bannon added. “In 2025, we were proud to support 60 projects across 9 project groups, leveraging $69,522.27 in grant funds to help homeowners make meaningful improvements that strengthen community pride and enhance property conditions. This partnership has not only beautified our streets but also reinforced the spirit of collaboration that defines our City. As we look forward to the 2026 program year, we’re excited to build on that success, expanding opportunities, empowering more neighbors, and continuing to transform blocks into vibrant places where people are proud to live, work, and grow together.” “NeighborWorks’ Beautiful Blocks program continues to bring positive improvements to our neighborhoods each year,” Scranton Mayor Paige G. Cognetti said. “Last year’s projects provided over $140,000 in grant funds to 130 projects that help maintain Scranton’s beauty and build a stronger sense of community among our residents.” Scranton, Pittston and Carbondale residents interested in participating in the Beautiful Blocks program can download pre-application instructions and access the pre-application document by visiting the program homepage at https://www.nwnepa.org/programs/neighborhood- revitalization/beautiful-blocks.html. More information is also available by contacting Gerard Hetman, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania Community Development Specialist, at (570) 558-2490 or ghetman@nwnepa.org.
Johnson College Awarded Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant to Support RISE Students Johnson College has been awarded a $199,675 Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to support students enrolled in manufacturing programs through the College’s Readiness in Skilled Employment (RISE) initiative. The grant program’s mission is to work collaboratively with local manufacturers to identify and teach essential skills missing from entry-level applicants for existing or near-future open positions, engage youth or those with barriers in awareness-building activities related to career opportunities in manufacturing, and advance capacity for local or regional manufacturers. The funding will provide tuition assistance and critical wraparound support services for up to 15 RISE students pursuing manufacturing-focused education at Johnson College. Supported programs include Mechatronics Technology, Electronic Engineering Technology, Welding Technology, and Welding Fabrication and Manufacturing Technology. RISE, launched in 2021, is a workforce development program designed to help individuals gain technical training while receiving additional supports that remove barriers to education. The program primarily serves low-income students seeking sustainable career pathways and upward economic mobility. By addressing challenges such as transportation, childcare, and access to essential resources, RISE empowers students to focus on their education and long-term success. Grant-supported students will engage directly with regional manufacturing employers through industry-focused activities, including Lunch and Learn events held on the Johnson College campuses in Scranton and Hazle Township. These experiences build on the College’s strong industry partnerships, many led by alumni, and ensure that students explore career pathways, strengthen professional and soft skills, and receive an education aligned with current workforce needs. Community partners play an essential role in supporting RISE students throughout their educational journey. United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) provides coaching, ESL services, and assistance with barrier removal, while PA CareerLink supports workforce training through WIOA funding. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) helps coordinate manufacturer visits and industry presentations. Manufacturing partners committed to the project include McGregor Industries, Power Rail, and Pride Mobility. Since its inception, RISE has supported 75 students across four cohorts, helping participants overcome obstacles and gain the skills needed for family-sustaining careers. With support from the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant, Johnson College will continue to expand access to education while strengthening the regional manufacturing workforce and economic vitality of Northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information about RISE, visit neparise.org. This program is funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development’s Manufacturing Training to Career Grant program.
Century Dental Associates Partners with Central Penn College to Expand EFDA Program Central Penn College has partnered with Century Dental Associates in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to offer an additional instructional site for its Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) Certificate Program. The EFDA program is a six-month, blended program designed for working dental professionals. Coursework is completed fully online, with once-a-week, in-person Saturday labs focused on hands-on clinical skills. With the addition of the Scranton instructional site, students in Northeastern Pennsylvania can now complete required lab work closer to home, eliminating the need to travel to Central Pennsylvania. This expansion reflects Central Penn College’s continued commitment to increasing access, flexibility, and convenience for students pursuing advanced credentials in high-demand healthcare fields. Century Dental Associates brings decades of clinical experience and a strong reputation for patient-centered care to this partnership, providing an ideal real-world learning environment for EFDA students. Known for its commitment to advanced dental techniques, modern technology, and professional excellence, Century Dental Associates offers a hands-on setting that reinforces practical skill development and industry standards. This collaboration ensures students gain meaningful clinical experience while benefiting from a trusted dental practice deeply rooted in the Northeastern Pennsylvania community. For more information about the Expanded Function Dental Assistant program, visit centralpenn.edu/EFDA.
Medical Professionals and Music Bring Colon Cancer Awareness A group of physicians who share a passion for both medical education and rock music will take the stage for a one-of-a-kind community concert, “Louder Than Cancer!,” Friday, March 27, at the Theater at North in Scranton. Doors open at 5 p.m. and is part of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of preventive screenings. The educational event will feature Rockdoc and the Healers, a rock band made up of medical professionals and musicians who use music as a platform to spark conversations about health. In addition to live music, the evening will include educational information tables highlighting the importance of colorectal cancer screenings and connecting attendees with regional providers of whole-person primary health services. The idea for “Louder Than Cancer!” was conceptualized by Dr. Vikas Khurana, program director of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Gastroenterology Fellowship Program. More than 20 years ago, Dr. Khurana along with Dr. Steve Eskin, now the lead singer of the rock band and a fellow gastroenterologist, dreamed of combining their passions for medicine with music. That vision is finally coming to fruition, grounded in a simple but powerful belief: music can make a deeper, more lasting impact than wordy teaching alone. The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education are the platinum sponsor of the event, reinforcing their shared commitment to prevention, education, and community well-being. Dr. Eskin talked about how music can help people take control of their wellbeing. “Colon cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when it’s caught early, yet too many people delay or avoid screening… Music has a way of breaking down barriers. If we can get people in the door for a great rock show and leave them feeling empowered to take charge of their colon health, then we’ve done something truly meaningful,” Dr. Eskin said. Dr. Eskin will be joined on stage by Dr. Reese Hofstrand, a fellow physician in The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Gastroenterology Fellowship Program, along with the Giron brothers, rounding out the band’s high-energy lineup. The educational program and concert are being organized by Dr. Peter Iskander, also a fellow physician in The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Gastroenterology Fellowship Program, who is leading efforts to blend entertainment with evidence-based health education. Tickets for “Louder Than Cancer!” are free and available through Eventbrite. While there is no cost to attend, audience members are asked to complete a brief educational survey about colon health as part of the program’s awareness initiative. Concertgoers will also have the opportunity to make a voluntary financial donation, with all proceeds from sponsorships and donations benefitting the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute. “We want the message to be clear: screening saves lives, and taking that first step doesn’t have to be intimidating,” Dr. Eskin said. For more information and to reserve your free tickets, visit Eventbrite and search for “Louder Than Cancer!” To donate, visit bit.ly/4cbJMQ2.
Johnson College Awarded Grant to Support RISE Students Johnson College has been awarded a $199,675 Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to support students enrolled in manufacturing programs through the College’s Readiness in Skilled Employment (RISE) initiative. The grant program’s mission is to work collaboratively with local manufacturers to identify and teach essential skills missing from entry-level applicants for existing or near-future open positions, engage youth or those with barriers in awareness-building activities related to career opportunities in manufacturing, and advance capacity for local or regional manufacturers. The funding will provide tuition assistance and critical wraparound support services for up to 15 RISE students pursuing manufacturing-focused education at Johnson College. Supported programs include Mechatronics Technology, Electronic Engineering Technology, Welding Technology, and Welding Fabrication and Manufacturing Technology. RISE, launched in 2021, is a workforce development program designed to help individuals gain technical training while receiving additional supports that remove barriers to education. The program primarily serves low-income students seeking sustainable career pathways and upward economic mobility. By addressing challenges such as transportation, childcare, and access to essential resources, RISE empowers students to focus on their education and long-term success. Grant-supported students will engage directly with regional manufacturing employers through industry-focused activities, including Lunch and Learn events held on the Johnson College campuses in Scranton and Hazle Township. These experiences build on the College’s strong industry partnerships, many led by alumni, and ensure that students explore career pathways, strengthen professional and soft skills, and receive an education aligned with current workforce needs. Community partners play an essential role in supporting RISE students throughout their educational journey. United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) provides coaching, ESL services, and assistance with barrier removal, while PA CareerLink supports workforce training through WIOA funding. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) helps coordinate manufacturer visits and industry presentations. Manufacturing partners committed to the project include McGregor Industries, Power Rail, and Pride Mobility. Since its inception, RISE has supported 75 students across four cohorts, helping participants overcome obstacles and gain the skills needed for family-sustaining careers. With support from the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant, Johnson College will continue to expand access to education while strengthening the regional manufacturing workforce and economic vitality of Northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information about RISE, visit neparise.org. This program is funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development’s Manufacturing Training to Career Grant program.
Circle Drive-in Creates New Newsletter The Circle Drive-in Movie Theater is launching a new, Circle Flea Fair Vendor newsletter in March. Stay up to date on: Vendor opportunities Special events Pop-ups & seasonal updates Important flea fair information Vendors, sign up & stay connected all season long by sending an email address & vendor name on Facebook at @CircleFleaFair
Crystal Windows Brings OPUS Masterpieces to the Market Award winning national manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems continued its product line expansion with the recent launch of the high-end aluminum OPUS lines. Introduction of the elite OPUS windows and doors catapults the firm into the upper echelons of window manufacturers. Three major model lines, each with several styles of windows and doors, are initially offered with the OPUS products, with more to be introduced in the coming months. “Born in Belgium, Built in America,” the Crystal OPUS products are the result of a strategic partnership with Reynaers, a leading European fenestration system designer and extruder. An “Official US Certified Fabricator for Reynaers”, the Crystal OPUS aluminum window and door fabrication as well as insulated glass assembly is all performed at Crystal’s American factories by its skilled American workforce. All three of the new OPUS window and door model lines, SL38, ML8 and MP, are noted for their narrow sightlines, slim but strong frames, robust high-performance thermal breaks and several designer options for frame profiles. With clean lines, crisp details, and precise finishes, each Crystal OPUS product is a work of art. The OPUS windows and doors are perfectly tailored for high-rise luxury properties, elite institutions, superior commercial buildings, as well as unique premium homes. From grand historic restorations and lofty towers to cutting-edge modern projects, the Crystal OPUS windows and doors are perfectly suited for all applications. “The introduction of the OPUS window and door product lines opens the door for Crystal to serve the highest tiers of the fenestration market,” said Steve Chen, CEO for Crystal. “This expansion of the product line means Crystal will truly be able to supply all types of projects with products that range from modest residential window replacement jobs to ultra sophisticated luxury high-rises and elite residences.” First among the three new Crystal OPUS lines are the 3-⅞” jamb depth Crystal SL38 aluminum models. With a slim design and narrow sightlines, its minimalist aesthetic can replicate the iconic industrial look of steel frame windows. Available styles include fixed, casement, hopper, awning, and a terrace door, with a choice of four frame profiles: functional, classic, cubic, and ferro. The SL38 window products are top performers across the board. The casement window is rated AW-PG100. Polyamide insulating thermal struts provide outstanding performance with U-values as low as 0.23 with double glass IGUs and 0.16 for triple glass IGUs. Sound attenuation ratings are 44 STC and 35 OITC. The Crystal SL38 aluminum terrace door has a 4-5∕16” frame depth and is CW-PG40 rated. Thermal performance achieves U-values of 0.30 with double glass and 0.25 with triple glazed IGUs. Acoustic ratings are STC of 38 and OITC of 34. Available with several frame profiles, the SL38 terrace door also offers a “zero threshold” option. The new Crystal OPUS ML8 aluminum windows and doors have a 3-7∕16” jamb. This flagship quality model line offers great thermal and acoustic performance, as well as countless design options. The Crystal ML8 line strikes the right balance between sleek aesthetics and strong function. All the Crystal ML8 windows and doors use polyamide insulating strut thermal break technology. The ML8 windows are available in several styles – fixed, in-swing casement, project-out hopper, project-in awning, and even a center-pivot – with four frame profile options. Key aesthetic features of the ML8 window line include hidden operating sash sightlines, concealed hinges and drainage, and glass corner options. Outstanding structural, thermal, and acoustic characteristics are demonstrated with an AW-PG70 rating for the casement style, U-values of 0.23 with double glass and 0.16 with triple glass, and STC of 50 and OITC of 44. The aluminum ML8 swing terrace door offers numerous great performance, function, and aesthetic features. Available in sizes up to 5’-7” wide and 10’ tall, the ML8 terrace door utilizes a “soft operation” integrated closer in the head, concealed hinges, and low and zero ADA thresholds. Optionally, the door’s pivot point can be adjusted out from the jamb for unique functionality and style. The AW-PG70 rated terrace door’s thermal performance can reach U-values of 0.26 with double glass and 0.20 with triple glass IGUs. Sound attenuation performance ratings are similarly excellent with STC of 43 and OITC of 35. The new Crystal OPUS MP Lift-Slide door is rated AW-PG60, has a 7-⅛” jamb, offers outstanding strength and performance, and is readily compatible with the ML8 products. The door features a zero threshold, multiple nesting panels and tracks, and can be fabricated in sizes up to 9’-10” wide and 12’ tall. Insulated or monolithic glass sizes range from ⅝” to 2-⅜” thick. The polyamide thermal strut design can deliver U-values of 0.30 for double glass and 0.21 for triple glass IGUs. With top strength, durability, thermal performance, and using premium recycled aluminum extrusion materials, the MP door is an exemplary sustainability performer. The Crystal OPUS model line frames are currently available in a variety of colors in a standard AAMA 2604 powder coat finish, with an optional upgrade to AAMA 2605. Future plans call for the color choice, for large quantity orders, to be expanded to hundreds of colors. All finish coatings meet strict European standards and receive the “Qualicoat Class 2 Coating Certified” official quality label. The Crystal OPUS products receive a full US warranty from Reynaers, which is only available through US-based certified fabricators like Crystal Windows. As such, the installed OPUS windows and doors receive on-site and virtual technical support from Crystal and the US-based Reynaers technical assistance teams. Additionally, Crystal supports design and construction professionals through all stages of their OPUS projects, from initial consultation for concept, design, and product selection, all the way to job delivery, installation training, and inspection.
Misericordia University Offers New Major Misericordia University is excited to offer a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, designed to prepare students for careers in one of today’s fastest-growing and most innovative fields. This interdisciplinary program combines technology, data, and problem-solving to help students develop the skills needed to analyze complex systems, create intelligent solutions, and adapt to an ever-evolving digital landscape. Students will gain hands-on experience while exploring the ethical, practical, and real-world applications of artificial intelligence across industries. To learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, visit:https://www.misericordia.edu/artificial-intelligence
