Geisinger, in collaboration with other regional hospital systems, will start the triennial Community Health Needs Assessment to better understand the health and well-being of residents and recognize needs as well as community strengths across northeastern and central Pennsylvania. 

As in prior Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs), Geisinger will partner with Allied Services Integrated Health System on the assessment. Partnership among regional organizations allows for a better understanding of health needs across the communities served and encourages collaboration to address the identified needs.

The CHNA provides Geisinger with a snapshot of key health challenges affecting the region. It leverages information from a variety of reliable resources such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Anne E. Casey Foundation and U.S. Census and marries it with information from people in the community.  

The assessment will be conducted by Build Community, a woman-owned business based in Lancaster, Pa., that partners with health care providers, social service agencies, foundations, government entities and other community organizations to illuminate disparities and underlying inequities and transform data into practical and impactful strategies to advance health and social equity. 

Nonprofit hospital organizations are required to conduct a CHNA every three years and develop implementation strategies that address prioritized health needs. The CHNA is grounded in community research and direct stakeholder feedback. The CHNA expands the hospital’s focus to include health issues impacting the greater community and promotes collaboration among local advocates, partners and hospitals.

This upcoming CHNA will be conducted throughout 2026 and will cover Jan. 1, 2027, through Dec. 31, 2029. The region’s current CHNA runs through Dec. 31, 2026.

he Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, in conjunction with PNC Bank, are launching the second year of ‘Going to Bat for Small Business, presented by PNC.’ The initiative highlights an NEPA small business that has made a positive impact within the community.

The program gives small businesses a boost by leveraging the RailRiders’ powerful platform to promote a select company. Going to Bat for Small Business, presented by PNC, will spotlight one winning business during the 2026 season with a specialized RailRiders marketing package and hospitality night, including a first pitch at PNC Field, a suite night, social media and website recognition. 

“The success of local small businesses is critical to the continued economic growth and vibrancy of our Northeast Pennsylvania communities,” said Pete Danchak, PNC regional president for Northeast PA.

The winning business will also be part of a pre-game ceremony at PNC Field on July 21.

“Building on the momentum of the program’s inaugural year, we’re proud to again work with the RailRiders to help businesses that are making a positive difference increase their visibility and customer reach. Across our region, PNC teams work closely with small business owners to help them achieve their financial goals, and this program is another way we can help them elevate their stories and knock it out of the park,” said Danchack.

Small business nominations can be submitted online at https://www.milb.com/scranton-wb/community/going-to-bat. Nomination criteria, evaluation points, prize details and application guidelines can be accessed on the website. Only businesses in northeastern Pennsylvania will be considered.

Nominations will be accepted through May 15. A committee of leaders from PNC Bank and the RailRiders will serve as judges and will select the winner based on the positive influence a business has had on its respective community. The winner will be announced in mid-June.

For more information, visit https://www.milb.com/scranton-wb/community/going-to-bat.

WVIA public media is marking 60 years of service to Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania, celebrating six decades of educational programming, local storytelling, cultural connection, and, more recently, trusted journalism.

“WVIA’s mission remains clear: to inform, educate, and connect the communities we serve,” said WVIA President & CEO Carla McCabe. “From rural towns to growing suburban centers and urban neighborhoods, WVIA plays a vital role in ensuring access to trusted information and lifelong learning opportunities for all.”

Throughout its 60th anniversary year, WVIA will commemorate the milestone with special on-air programming, including Throwback Thursdays — a monthly primetime block featuring classic WVIA productions. Additional community events and initiatives will highlight the station’s history while engaging audiences in its future.

“For six decades, WVIA has been woven into the fabric of life across our region — sparking curiosity, enriching homes with music and learning, and bringing communities together,” said WVIA Board Chair Bob Kelly. “As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on the future: expanding local journalism, deepening educational outreach through WVIA Kids in the Classroom, and continuing to tell the evolving stories of Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania.”

Community members can stay informed about WVIA’s 60th Anniversary activities at wvia.org, through WVIA’s social media channels, and tuning in regularly to WVIA TV and WVIA Radio. 

In commemoration of WVIA’s 60th anniversary, on one Thursday a month WVIA will open up the vaults to present an evening of classic WVIA original productions.

Thursday, April 16th

• 8pm – State of Pennsylvania – Snakes, Lizards & Frogs, Oh My!
• 9pm – Looking to the River
• 10pm – Expedition Susquehanna

Thursday, May 21st:

• 8pm – State of Pennsylvania
• 9pm – Ubaldo
• 10pm – Journey to the Endless Mountains

Thursday, June 18th:

• 8pm – Remembering Agnes
• 9pm – Agnes 50: Life After the Flood
• 10pm – Peoples of the Susquehanna River

Thursday, July 16th:

• 8pm – William Warren Scranton: In A Clear Light
• 9pm – Barbara Weisberger: En Pointe
• 10pm – Judge William J. Nealon: At the Heart of It All

Thursday, August 20th:

• 8pm – Scranton The Once & Future City
• 9pm – Sister Adrian: The Mother Teresa of Scranton
• 9:30pm – Alvina Krause: Director
• 10pm – Last Waltz on A Tightrope

Thursday, September 24th:

• 8pm – Lyman H. Howe’s High Class Moving Pictures
• 8:30pm – The Best of Uncle Ted
• 9pm – Local TV: The Early Years
• 10pm – WARMLand Remembered

This April, Mohegan Pennsylvania offers a variety of dining specials and seasonal menus designed to satisfy every craving. All week long throughout the month, a variety of Mohegan Pennsylvania’s restaurants will be offering deals and specials.

The Hive Taphouse will continue fifty-cent wing night every Tuesday, offering over 30 different sauces and seasonings to choose from. From 4:00pm – 9:00pm each Tuesday, dine-in guests can take advantage of this delicious deal, with a minimum of six wings per order. While there, toast to Spring with one of The Hive Taphouse’s new featured cocktails including a Lavendar Blossom Drop Martini, Melon Whiskey Sour, and a Blueberry Mojito.

On Wednesdays, Molly O’ Sheas has the dinner plans locked in. From 4:00pm – 10:00pm, bring an appetite for Burger Madness where patrons can indulge in a half-pound burger with chips for just $7.99. Be sure to check out Molly O’ Sheas for a variety of Happy Hour specials throughout the week all April long.

The deals continue to roll on in at Pearl Sushi Bar with half-priced sushi on Sundays and Mondays. Enjoy a roll or two and make sure to test out their Martini Flights any day of the week to perfectly polish off your meal. Pearl Sushi Bar also regularly features ½ price Martinis and $6 Saketini specials. 

At Rustic Kitchen Bistro & Bar, the Cooking Show is the perfect date night or evening out with friends. Guests can experience bold flavors and the talent Rustic Kitchen’s skilled chef as she demonstrates techniques in the studio kitchen. In April, the featured menu includes Ricotta Gnocchi in a Brown Butter Tomato Sage Sauce, followed by Braised Beef Short Ribs with Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Honey-Glazed Carrots, and finished with Poached Pears in a Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup. Shows will take place throughout April and tickets are required. Rustic Kitchen is also home to All-You-Can-Eat Pasta Wednesdays as well. For more information on Rustic Kitchen, click HERE.

Get ready for a thrilling and entertaining night at Misericordia University as the Misericordia Players present Little Shop of Horrors in Lemmond Theater. Performances will take place April 16–18 at 7:30 PM and April 19 at 2:00 PM.

Little Shop of Horrors is a fan-favorite musical. Follow an unexpected journey of Seymour, Audrey, and even Audrey II. This musical combines humor, horror, and unforgettable music in a story that’s sure to captivate audiences.

Tickets are $8 for general admission and $3 for students with ID. They are available at the door. For more information, visit:
https://www.misericordia.edu/campus-community/the-arts-community-events/lemmond-theater/mup/little-shop-of-horrors

In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, staff from Geisinger’s Division of Child Protection and Advocacy planted blue pinwheels at the entrance of Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.

The pinwheels represent playfulness, joy and a carefree childhood and serve as a reminder to protect and nurture our children. Pinwheels for Prevention is a national campaign for child abuse prevention.

The CAC team once again wore special T-shirts to commemorate the awareness month. The shirts were created by Chelsea Whispell, the daughter of Trisha Whispell, social work educator for the division. For the second year in a row, Chelsea created and is selling T-shirts to raise funds for the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance (PFSA).

PFSA works with local community organizations around child abuse prevention efforts and has partnered with local schools and organizations on a statewide art project called Painting for Prevention. Artwork is displayed in many community organizations all month long, including Geisinger pediatric and family practice clinics.

Staff who took part in the pinwheel planting include Dayna DeSalve, MD, pediatric resident; Jayme Hile, LPN, nurse navigator; Paul Bellino, M.D., chief Geisinger Division of Child Protection and Advocacy; Hailey Welker, forensic interviewer; Alexis Smith, CAC program manager with Ollie, CAC’s certified therapy dog; Chelsea Whispell, volunteer; Cameran Gardner, victim advocate; Melissa Wagner, Director Child Protection and Advocacy; Marita Lind, MD, Director CAC; and Trisha Whispell, social worker educator.

Caroline Rhea will deliver the commencement address at Marywood University’s graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre, PA.

Rhea, a stand-up comedian and actress, is best known for her role as Hilda Spellman on the hit series Sabrina the Teenage Witch, as well as her numerous comedy specials on HBO, Comedy Central, and Showtime. She voices Linda Flynn Fletcher, the Mom on Disney’s hit series, Phineas and Ferb. 

Born in Montreal, Canada, Rhea began her stand-up career in New York City in 1989, training at Catch a Rising Star and The New School. She quickly rose in the comedy scene, appearing on MTV’s Half-Hour Comedy Hour, Comic Strip Live, and Caroline’s Comedy Hour. Her film credits include The Perfect Man, Man on the Moon with Jim Carrey, Christmas with the Kranks opposite Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis, and Ready to Rumble. She earned wide acclaim for her celebrated role as Mrs. Miracle in Hallmark’s A Mrs. Miracle Christmas, supported by additional work in Disney’s Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire and HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm.

In addition to her well-known performances in Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Phineas and Ferb, Rhea has built an extensive television career, including, most recently, a recurring role in Lopez vs. Lopez. She also hosted The Caroline Rhea Show and NBC’s The Biggest Loser. Rhea is a frequent guest on The Tonight Show, Kelly and Mark, and popular podcasts and game shows like Funny You Should Ask, Match Game, Name That Tune, and Hollywood Squares. 

She tours comedy clubs throughout the world, performing this year in Scotland at the Edinburgh Comedy Festival, and recently filmed her seventh comedy special at the Sydney Opera House. A passionate philanthropist, Rhea makes time for hosting and serving as an auctioneer for numerous charities, supporting causes like Habitat for Humanity, Comic Relief, St. Jude, and Broadway Cares.

The University of Scranton will welcome Harvard University faculty member Brandon Terry, Ph.D., as the speaker at this year’s Sondra H’87 and Morey Myers H’12 Distinguished Visiting Fellowship in the Humanities and Civic Engagement Lecture.

Dr. Terry, Harvard’s John L. Loeb associate professor of the social sciences and co-director of the Institute on Policing, Incarceration and Public Safety at the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research, will speak at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at the Pearn Auditorium inside Brennan Hall. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Dr. Terry’s lecture is titled “Shattered Dreams, Infinite Hope,” the same title as his 546-page book released in October 2025.

The book was selected by The New York Times as one of “100 Notable Books of 2025.”

“The civil rights movement has been enshrined in American history as an exemplary model of transformative social action,” the newspaper wrote. “Terry, a Harvard scholar, upends the conventional wisdom, rejecting both romanticized versions of the past and pessimistic accounts of the present to offer a nuanced theory of the movement — and of social movements in general — predicated on a rigorous philosophical vision of what he calls ‘tragic hope.’”

Housed in The University of Scranton’s Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities, the Myers lecture was created to advance the University’s efforts in bringing renowned scholars, artists and thinkers to campus to share their work and enrich cultural and civic activity.

Sondra Myers was a longtime director of the University’s Schemel Forum whose career has focused on strengthening democracy and civic engagement through cultural programming, public policy work and humanities scholarship. Morey Myers, a civil rights activist and accomplished jurist, is a graduate of the Yale University School of Law and Syracuse University.

For more information, visit the Myers lecture’s webpage on the Slattery Center website.

For mid-sized companies, every benefits dollar counts. Yet too often, employers renew their insurance plans without fully understanding what is driving costs or which benefits employees truly value. By using data more strategically, these employers can design a benefit program that is both cost-efficient and personally meaningful.

A good place to start is by examining claims utilization, demographic trends, and participation rates across medical, dental and voluntary benefits. Patterns often reveal hidden inefficiencies, such as over-insured employees, low preventive care use, or underused wellness resources. And by pairing this information with anonymous employee surveys, company leaders can better understand worker priorities, such as flexibility, family support, or out of pocket predictability.

With the insights gained from this data, employers can shift from a “one-size-fits-all” model to a personalized benefits structure. For example, offering both a base plan and an HSA-compatible high-deductible option can accommodate diverse risk preferences. Adding voluntary benefits like accident, pet, or legal coverage can fill lifestyle gaps without increasing employer costs.

Digital engagement tools further enhance transparency and choice, helping employees see real-time costs and compare plan options. When workers feel informed and empowered, satisfaction rises…and so does retention.

In short, data isn’t just for large corporations. For a mid-sized company, it’s the key to unlocking smarter funding strategies, healthier employees, and a measurable return on investment.

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit the website at gscc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Rob Higginbotham at (800) 377-3539.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that a team of students from the Wyoming Seminary Upper School in Kingston, Luzerne County was selected as the PennDOT Innovations Challenge regional winner in PennDOT Engineering District 4, which includes Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming Counties.

Mentored by John R. Eidam, Director, Louis Maslow STEM School, and Christopher Pons, instructor, team members from Wyoming Seminary team, nicknamed the “Blue Dragons,” include Richard Qian, Kim Zhang, and Max Li.

The PennDOT Innovations Challenge – now in its ninth year – is a statewide competition for high school students to develop creative and strategic solutions to real-world transportation challenges. The challenge reflects the Shapiro Administration’s focus on a safe, efficient transportation system and growing Pennsylvania’s workforce by introducing students to current transportation challenges and encouraging them to explore careers in transportation after high school. 

With the unique challenge of keeping work crews protected and the travelling public safe in work zones, this year’s challenge asked students to develop a concept for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in work zones to dramatically improve safety for work crews and road users. 

The winning regional team’s innovation was titled: “AI Powered Worker and Driver Warning System for PA Work Zones.

“At PennDOT, the safety of our crews who are working hard to improve our roadways is our primary concern, and we were impressed by the level of detail the Wyoming Seminary team presented in their Innovations Challenge proposal,” said Jonathan A. Eboli, P.E., District Executive. “From an AI driven system which can identify distracted or erratic driving at a distance, to a badge system which alerts crews to a potential hazard; the student’s proposal displayed a firm knowledge of how AI applications can be incorporated in our work zones.”  

Regional Innovations Challenge winners will be invited to Harrisburg to present their solutions to the PennDOT Executive Deputy Secretary and a panel of judges on April 15, when the statewide winner will be determined.

For this year’s challenge, the Transportation Policy and Education Foundation, an educational arm of the Associated Pennsylvania Constructors organization, the American Council of Engineering Companies of PA, the Mid-Atlantic Section of the Institute of Transportation Engineers and the Intelligent Transportation Society of Pennsylvania are providing a combined total award of $6,000 to the statewide winning team.

For complete Innovations Challenge details, visit the PennDOT website.

Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.pa.gov/DOTprojects. Subscribe to PennDOT news and find transportation results in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties at www.pa.gov/DOTdistrict4.  

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